Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy after Excision of a Skin Mass in the Posterolateral Popliteal Fossa Region

The aim of this article is to report a patient with an iatrogenic injury of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) caused by compression due to tight fascial closure after surgical excision of a skin mass in the posterolateral popliteal fossa area. Injury to the CPN results in significant disability with foot drop. Palsy of the CPN is a most frequent complication of various orthopedic or other surgical procedures in the lower leg. The clinicians must keep in mind the complications of the nerve and profound knowledge of anatomy around the posterior popliteal region to minimize an unwanted complication.