Nerve injury after open and arthroscopic surgery of the ankle and foot, including morton neuroma

Peripheral nerve injuries following surgery on the foot and ankle can lead to debilitating conditions from chronic motor deficits of the lower extremity to incapacitating neuroma formation. Ankle arthroscopy, performed for management of a variety of conditions, can inadvertently cause injury to multiple mixed motor and sensory nerves. Depending on the approach, the superficial peroneal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, posterior tibial nerve, sural nerve, and saphenous nerve are all at risk for iatrogenic damage. Treatment of other common conditions such as Morton's neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and hallux valgus all carry risk of injury to individual peripheral nerves within the surgical field, to the detriment of outcomes for patients undergoing surgical intervention. This chapter discusses these commonly performed surgeries of foot and ankle surgery, peripheral nerves at risk for each approach, strategies for prevention of peripheral nerve injury, and management of injured nerves in the acute and long-term care settings, including diagnostic adjuncts and treatment options.