Common Peroneal Nerve Laceration in Closed Fibular Head Avulsion Fracture: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: The common peroneal nerve (CPN) injuries are the most common among lower limb nerve injuries because of its fixed attachment in the region of the neck of the fibula. The involvement of CPN following varus displacement of the knee is commonly expected to be traction neuropraxia. The spontaneous recovery is usually expected and the not so favorable results of repair have led to a debatable consensus on its surgical management. Closed transaction/laceration of nerve following sports injury is highly uncommon. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old male sustained closed avulsion fracture of the fibular head with complete foot drop following a hyperadduction injury to the knee. Early operative exploration revealed peroneal nerve laceration which was repaired primarily along with anatomical reduction of the fibular head which yields good results following early repair. CONCLUSION: This case review emphasizes that severe damage to CPN may occur in spite of closed injuries to the knee. Patients presenting with fibular head avulsion fractures at the knee and CPN injury should be subjected to early intervention with repair or reconstruction of the avulsion injuries and exploration of CPN to achieve good clinical outcome.