Peroneal neuropathy from ankle-foot orthoses

Mononeuropathies are uncommon in childhood but can be a cause of significant disability. A considerable proportion of pediatric peroneal palsies arise as iatrogenic complications of casting, footboards, and intraoperative positioning. This article provides a description of a patient who developed bilateral peroneal palsies after cardiac transplantation. Factors predisposing this patient to neuropathy included hemophilia and prolonged immobilization, with focal involvement of the peroneal nerves being likely related to the use of ankle-foot orthoses. Peroneal nerve palsies are a significant, but potentially avoidable, iatrogenic complication of lower-extremity orthoses. (C) 2003 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.