Translocation of the soleus muscular branch of the tibial nerve to repair high common peroneal nerve injury.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effect of translocating the soleus muscular branch of the tibial nerve to repair the deep peroneal nerve. METHODS: Eight patients were treated for high common peroneal nerve injury. The deep peroneal nerve was separated out from the common peroneal nerve if no injury occurred upon opening the epineurium of the common peroneal nerve. The soleus muscular branch of the tibial nerve was then translocated to the deep peroneal nerve. RESULTS: The average follow-up duration was 21.75 months. Electromyography revealed newly appearing electric potentials in the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor toe longus muscle at 8 to 10 months postoperatively. Four patients showed good functional recovery after surgery; functional recovery was poor in other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Translocation of the soleus muscle branch is a feasible method to treat high common peroneal nerve injuries. A full understanding of the indications for this operation is required.