10 - Nerve Injuries of Leg

Question 1

How can the tibial nerve be damaged?

Answer 1

Posterior dislocation of the knee jointLaceration

Question 2

What motor deficits are present after damage to tibial nerve?

Answer 2

Loss of toe flexionLoss of plantarflexion due to paralysis of posterior leg musclesLoss of sensation on sole of foot

Question 3

Why is the fibular nerve the most commonly damaged nerve in the leg?

Answer 3

Winds subcutaneously around the neck of the fibularMay be stretched in fibular fracture or posterior knee dislocaiton

Question 4

What motor deficits occur in damage to fibular nerve?

Answer 4

Foot drop due to loss of dorsiflexors of the anterior leg

Question 5

What are the three gaits used to make up for foot drop?

Answer 5

Waddling gaitSwing out gaitHigh steppage gait

Question 6

How can the deep fibular nerve become entrapped?

Answer 6

Excessive use of muscles in anterior compartmentCauses pain

Question 7

What can damage the superficial fibular nerve?

Answer 7

Chronic ankle sprains

Question 8

What does the calcaneal tendon reflex test?

Answer 8

S1 and S2 nerve rootsUseful in sciatica, as S1 may be compressed in L5/S1 hernia of the intervertebral disc