This protocol addresses peroneal neuropathy in patients where the lesion is localised at the level of the common peroneal nerve — a presentation that produces distinct biomechanical changes at the foot and ankle, with specific management implications.
When the lesion is at the level of the common peroneal nerve, the foot may tend toward plantarflexion and inversion. This pattern is distinct from more distal peroneal nerve involvement and determines what the patient specifically requires in terms of orthotic support.
Orthotic management is the cornerstone of this protocol. Patients with a common peroneal nerve lesion require a particular design of ankle foot orthosis to achieve adequate toe clearance during gait — with characteristics that differ from what is appropriate for distal peroneal neuropathy alone.