Entrapment Neuropathy of the Lateral Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve

A Report of Four Operated Cases

Abstract

We report four cases of entrapment neuropathy of the lateral dorsal cutaneuos nerve that were operated on.
The cardinal findings included pain and dysesthesia along the lateral border of the foot and tenderness at the entrapment point. Infiltration of a local anesthetic at the entrapment point is both a very useful diagnostic test and treatment. Conservative treatment was unsuccessful in all cases and neurolysis was performed. The lateral dorsal cutaneuos nerve was released and covered with a pedicle fat flap. The postoperative course was uneventful in three cases, who became completely symptom-free. In the other patient pain returned one year after the operation and resection of the nerve was performed. After the second operation the patient was completely symptom-free.