Lesioni neurovascolari del piede

Abstract

Neurovascular complications following foot surgery are commonly mentioned in literature, albeit little statistical information is available.

It is well known that major vascular complications are rare, due to the efficient collateral circulation of the foot. A greater risk is found in patients affected by previous generalized vascular problems, as in peripheral ischemic vasculopathy, diabetes, and chronic steroid intake.

On the other hand, nerves are more commonly involved in intraoperative complications. The superficial peroneal nerve, the sural nerve, the saphenous nerve and the deep peroneal nerve are at risk during surgical approaches for fractures fixation or reconstructive procedures.

This article reviews the structural architecture of vasculonervous elements in the foot, describes the pathological mechanisms of surgery-related nerve and vessel injury and suggests the correct intraoperative and postoperative management in order to prevent iatrogenic neurovascular complications during foot surgery.