Superficial peroneal nerve injury is a common sequelum of inversion injuries of the ankle. Such nerve injury can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling on the dorsolateral aspect of the foot. This may cause a patient to complain of decreased sensation in a superficial peroneal nerve distribution on physical examination. Unfortunately, aggressive physical therapy that may be appropriate for an isolated anterior talofibular ligament tear is directly contraindicated in a previously visible nondisplaced talar neck fracture. Aggressive treatment of such fractures can lead to delayed early stress on a fracture line that communicates with the articular surface. Stress caused by inappropriate early weight-bearing can force joint fluid into the fracture line making subchondral cyst formation much more likely. In addition, early weight-bearing significantly increases the likelihood of delayed union.
Superficial peroneal nerve injury following ankle inversion injury medical expert witness specialties include foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, neurology, pediatric surgery, and radiology.