Patient Testimonial "After 1 year, many doctors, much frustration and pain Dr. Still determined it was in my best interest to have the neuropathy surgery to provide the relief to my foot and ankle so i could resume a normal lifestyle again. Prior to seeing Dr. Still I was not even able to walk my dog around the block without my foot becoming swollen and painful. I had the surgery and am thrilled I did. Dr. still is one of the kindest and most patient doctors I have ever gone to see. His follow-up after surgery is just as important to him as before surgery to ensure you are doing well - he is truly concerned about you as a patient. Kim P. (Kim had surffered an injury to her leg in a fall down some stairs, her case is an example of a compression neuropathy from a prior injury. At the time of her testimonial she was 8 months post-surgery).

Fibular tunnel syndrome (a.k.a. common peroneal nerve entrapment) is a well known problem in the lower extremity. It is one of the most common lower extremity mononeuropathies, causing pain, numbness, burning, tingling, achiness, muscle weakness to the outside of the lower leg and top of the foot. It is an entrapment phenomenon, which essentially involves compression on the common peroneal nerve. The common peroneal nerve lies near the fibular head on the outside of the leg just below the knee. It is very close the bump that one can feel if they were to press on the outside of their leg just below the knee joint.

This syndrome can result from a variety of causes, including direct trauma, compression, tumor or mass, stretch, prior use of plaster cast or brace, inflammatory disease and more. It is often misdiagnosed and many physicians are not aware that the problem can exist or is as common as it actually is.

A compression injury to the common peroneal nerve was discussed in the literature at early as 1930 by Clark. It is a commonly injured nerve in athletes usually due to trauma. Sports such as gymnastics, motocross, track and field can put the athlete in a situation for trauma to this nerve. However, a simple fall down stairs or object falling on the leg can cause the entrapment to develop. It can also be seen in a patient with diabetes mellitus where the nerve is compressed due to abnormal size of the nerve which leads to compression (visit www.DenverPeripheralNeuropathy.com to learn more).

Treatment can involve anti-inflammatories, injections, massage, acupuncture, rest, surgery. Surgery involves release of the nerve from surrounding tissue that can be compressing it and is quite often successful. Dr. Still uses a nerve monitor when performing this surgery so that the nerve is carefully evaluated during the surgery. This technology allows for a more accurate surgical release and gives the patient a better estimate of the success of the surgery. You can also visit www.aens.us to learn more about the training Dr. Still has received and nerve entrapment problems.

References : Anselmi, SJ, Common Peroneal Nerve Compression, JAPMA, Vol. 96 (5), p 413. 2006

For more information one can download this brochure from Dellon.com and view detailed diagrams and information about the surgical procedure. For more information about neuropathy treatment options go to www.DenverPeripheralNeuropathy.com.