Peroneal Nerve Injury in an Auto Accident

Peroneal Nerve Injury in an Auto Accident

In any traumatic accident, people can sustain serious injuries. Sometimes, these injuries involve the nerves that run throughout the body. The nerves of the leg are a complicated structure. Larger nerves divide into smaller nerves throughout the leg to provide both motor and sensory innervation to all areas of the limb. Like the arteries and veins, the nerves are also vulnerable to being damaged. Tears of the nerve could lead to complications of both motor and sensory function. Some of the information published by the United States Library of Medicine has shown that common mechanisms of nerve injuries include:

• An inflammatory process, such as carpal tunnel syndrome which compresses the nerves of the wrist.
• A compressive syndrome, such as compartment syndrome of the leg, which can constrict nerves, arteries, and blood vessels.
• A traumatic accident, such as an auto accident, where a penetrating injury severs one or more of the nerves in a specific location.

In contrast to spinal cord injuries which are central nerve injuries, damage to a nerve located in an artery or a leg is called a peripheral nerve injury. In a peripheral nerve injury, the motor or sensory function to a specific part of the body is removed. One common example is an injury of the peroneal nerve.

What is a Peroneal Nerve Injury?

The peroneal nerve is a large nerve that branches off from the sciatic nerve and supplies innervation to both the right and the left leg. If this nerve becomes injured, there are certain symptoms that people might notice. Examples include:

• Numbness or tingling on the outer part of the leg, ankle, or foot.
• Difficulty walking or feeling weak in the legs.
• "Foot drop" is more common and is a slapping gait that occurs while walking.
• Possible pain in the outer regions of the leg, ankle, and foot.

Because damage to the peroneal nerve can make it difficult to walk, it is important to understand how this injury happens. There are two common mechanisms:

• Compressive Mechanism: This occurs when the nerve is compressed by an outside force. This could result either from a habitual crossing of the legs, compressing the peroneal nerves, or from compartment syndrome, which refers to swelling of the body which impinges on the nerves.
• Penetrating Trauma: This is often seen in an auto accident, where a penetrating even could sever the peroneal nerve. This is often accompanied by trauma to the rest of the leg, such as a fracture of the femur.

Watch YouTube Video: Foot Drop, Peroneal Nerve Injury - Everything You Need to Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim. This animated video explains a condition called "foot drop" that can occur due to a Peroneal nerve injury.

Treatment of a Peroneal Nerve Injury

When the peroneal nerve is damaged, there are a couple of treatment options to consider. These options depend on the mechanism of the injury. If the peroneal nerve has developed due to a compressive issue, the pressure can be relieved, and the nerve function will return with time. If someone has had their peroneal nerve injury torn, the damage might be permanent. Certain medical devices can make the foot drop symptoms easier to handle. In some cases, the nerve might be able to be reattached with surgery. However, this is handled on a case by case basis.
People who sustain an injury to their peroneal nerve might lose the ability to use that leg functionally. This can make it a challenge to return to work, drive a car, or even move around the house. The stress that this can bring can be serious. Therefore, consider meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento after any serious nerve injury. You and your family could be entitled to receive some financial compensation.