Entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremities

Abstract

Entrapment neuropathies refer to isolated peripheral nerve injuries occurring at specific locations where a nerve is mechanically constricted on their anatomic course. In some instances the nerve is injured by chronic direct compression, and in other instances angulation or stretching forces cause mechanical damage to the nerve. Entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremities are less common than the upper extremities. They are characterized by pain and loss of function of the specific nerve. The compression neuropathies of the lower extremities involve lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, femoral nerve, obturator nerve, common peroneal nerve and its branches, tibialis posterior nerve and interdigital nerves. Common examples of entrapment neuropathies in lower extremities are meralgia paresthetica, piriformis syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome.