The Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Calf: An Underrecognized Source of Entrapment Neuropathy and Neuroma Pain.

Abstract

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf (LCNC), a purely sensory branch of the common peroneal nerve, is frequently overlooked or misidentified in anatomic and clinical literature. Due to its small caliber, variable origin, and overlapping sensory distribution, the LCNC is often mistaken for the lateral sural nerve or disregarded as clinically insignificant. For patients with either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed pain in the lateral knee or calf, microsurgical decompression or nerve relocation of the LCNC can result in symptom improvement or complete resolution. The purpose of this paper is to underscore the importance of considering the LCNC in patients with posterolateral calf pain of unclear etiology.