Simultaneous nerve reconstruction and tendonmuscular transposition in gunshot wounds of the common peroneal nerve

INTRODUCTION. Foot extensor paralysis, steppage and the characteristic equinovarus deformity with foot eversion due to gunshot wounds of the common peroneal nerve are difficult to treat. The most common method includes nerve reconstructive surgery with further expectation of probable foot function recovery. At the same time, tendon-muscle transposition is performed at least 12 months after nerve reconstruction and rehabilitation treatment in case of its ineffectiveness. This study evaluates the possibility of treating gunshot wounds of the common peroneal nerve by simultaneous restoration of nerve and tendonmuscle transposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In our study, we compared the results of treatment of 68 men with gunshot wounds of the common peroneal nerve for the period 2022 to 2024 who underwent nerve reconstruction in combination with or without tendon-muscle transposition. RESULTS. Patients with simultaneous restoration of nerve and tendon-muscle transposition (main group) had better functional results comparing to patients where only nerve repair was performed (control group). In addition, in all patients from the main group, it was possible to restore their ability to work, while in patients in the control group, their ability to work was restored only in 18 % of cases. CONCLUSION. The choice of surgical tactics for gunshot wounds of the common peroneal nerve the remains a subject of discussion for neurosurgeons and traumatologists. At the same time, our preliminary study suggests that simultaneous reconstruction of the nerve trunk and tendon-muscle transposition can provide a better functional outcome than the use of these techniques separately.