The peroneal nerve runs along the outer side of the knee and is one of two major nerves of the leg and foot. It passes through a fibrous passageway beside the knee called the fibular tunnel. A peroneal nerve entrapment occurs when the fibular tunnel narrows and compresses the peroneal nerve. Dr. Sina Rajamand performs common peroneal nerve entrapment decompression surgery at Battle Born Brain and Spine near Carson City, NV.

The common peroneal nerve controls the muscles that lift the ankle and straighten the toes. When this nerve becomes compressed, symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Numbness in the foot and/or ankle
• Tingling
• Weakness in the ankle and foot
• Foot drop
• Trouble walking

Weakness and foot drop can often make the victim believe they are becoming clumsy or having orthopedic problems. The symptoms above may become worse with prolonged standing, walking, exercising or during sleep. Victims may awaken and struggle to walk or control their foot.

Carson City CPN Decompression Surgery

Diabetes, arthritis or a history of knee trauma increases your risk of developing this condition. The common peroneal nerve (CPN) is compressed and becomes inflamed. In some cases, scar tissue can replace the outer lining of the CPN, called myelin. As scar tissue builds up and replaces myelin, nerve signals cannot easily travel across the nerve to the foot.

When conservative therapies do not bring a relief of symptoms, Dr. Rajamand may recommend CPN decompression surgery. In this minimally-invasive procedure, he makes a tiny incision on the outside of the knee to access the fibular tunnel. CPN decompression surgery is commonly called a fibular release procedure because the surgeon makes room within the fibular tunnel and releases pressure on the CPN.

This procedure typically takes about an hour, and patients return home the same day of surgery after a short recovery period. Some light walking is recommended after returning home, and regular walking should be possible in a week. Running and full activities should wait four to six weeks after surgery. Dr. Rajamand will explain more about CPN decompression surgery and your specific recovery during a consultation.

Contact our office at Battle Born Brain and Spine in Reno to schedule an exam and consultation if you develop drop foot or have similar problems with pain and difficulty walking.