Location of the Common Peroneal Nerve in Valgus Knees-Is the Reported Safe Zone for
Well-Aligned Knees Applicable?
J Arthroplasty 2017. [PMID:
28648707 DOI:
10.1016/j.arth.2017.05.048]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Lateral soft-tissue release can jeopardize the common peroneal nerve (CPN) in total knee arthroplasty for valgus knees. Previous studies reporting safe zones to protect the CPN were based on well-aligned knees. We conducted this study to compare the localization of the CPN in well-aligned knees and in valgus knees.
METHODS
We conducted a consecutive 3-dimensional radiographic study on magnetic resonance images of 58 well-aligned knees and 39 valgus knees. We measured the distance between the CPN and the tibia, as well as the mediolateral, anteroposterior, and angular location of the CPN. We compared the results between well-aligned knees and valgus knees.
RESULTS
We found that there is an increased distance between the CPN and the tibia at the level of the tibial cut, but not at the joint line in valgus knees. It is safer to release the posterolateral capsule at the tibial side than at the level above this. The angular location and the mediolateral or anteroposterior location of the CPN in valgus knees are similar to those of well-aligned knees.
CONCLUSION
The location of the CPN in valgus knees is similar to that in well-aligned knees. The previously reported safe zone in well-aligned knees is applicable in valgus knees to protect the CPN.
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