[A misdiagnosed disorder: syndrome of the musculocutaneous nerve of the foot]

Acta Orthop Belg. 1989;55(3):479-84.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The syndrome of the pedal dorsal cutaneous nerve (described by one of us in 1979) is caused by irritation of the nerve in its course at the dorsum pedis. This is a rather frequent syndrome, often overlooked. It is manifested by a distinct association of atypical pain at the dorsum pedis and in the foot. After a review of 10 cases and a literature survey, the authors describe the characteristic signs of this syndrome. There are many factors at the origin of this pathology: static deformities (pes cavus anterior, valgus calcaneus, hallux valgus), local trauma or repeated microtrauma (ill sitting shoe). The diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on a positive Tinel sign along the course of the nerve and on the result of a trial infiltration of the region. The treatment is initially conservative with correction of deformities, adaptation of shoes, and local infiltration with corticosteroids. The neurolysis (performed in 4 cases because of persistent pain), showed dystrophic fibrosis. Such histologic lesions are an argument for considering entrapment as a potential cause of the syndrome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Foot / innervation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / pathology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / therapy
  • Peroneal Nerve*