The Superficial Peroneal Nerve Is at Risk during the 'All Inside' Arthroscopic Broström Procedure: A Cadaveric Study

Background: The arthroscopic Broström procedure is a promising treatment for chronic ankle instability. However, little is known regarding the location of the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum; knowledge about this location is important for procedural safety. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to clarify the anatomical relationship between the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve and the sural nerve at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Methods: Eleven dissections of cadaveric lower extremities were performed. The origin of the experimental three-dimensional axis was defined as the location of the anterolateral portal during ankle arthroscopy. The distances from the standard anterolateral portal to the inferior extensor retinaculum, sural nerve, and intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were measured using an electronic digital caliper. The location of inferior extensor retinaculum, the tract of sural nerve, and intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were checked using average and standard deviations. For the statistical analyses, data are presented as average ± standard deviation, and then they are reported as means and standard deviations. Fisher’s exact test was used to identify statistically significant differences. Results: At the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum, the mean distances from the anterolateral portal to the proximal and distal intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were 15.9 ± 4.1 (range, 11.3–23.0) mm and 30.1 ± 5.5 (range, 20.8–37.9) mm, respectively. The mean distances from the anterolateral portal to the proximal and distal sural nerve were 47.6 ± 5.7 (range, 37.4–57.2) mm and 47.2 ± 4.1 (range, 41.0–51.8) mm), respectively. Conclusions: During the arthroscopic Broström procedure, the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve may be damaged by the anterolateral portal; the proximal and distal parts of the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were located within 15.9 and 30.1 mm, respectively, at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum in cadavers. These areas should be considered danger zones during the arthroscopic Broström procedure.