Canalicular Syndromes of the Lower Limbs

Abstract

A canalicular syndrome is defined as an entrapment neuropathy of a nerve. Numbness, neuropathic pain characterized by burning and tingling, paresthesia and atrophy, weakness, or loss of motor and/or sensory function usually occur because of chronic compression of the nerve. As the location of the symptoms is helpful in identifying the particular nerve affected, knowledge on the anatomy and distribution of nerves is important for diagnosing canalicular syndromes. To exacerbate the symptoms of a neuropathy, the Tinel test may be performed in different positions on a particular nerve, as the test is mainly a percussion test performed on a nerve. Imaging techniques are useful for diagnosis. Local anesthetic injections are also helpful for both diagnosis and symptomatic pain relief. While the first-line treatment of an entrapment neuropathy is usually nonoperative, care should be taken to prevent neurofibrosis; decompression needs to be performed before the case progresses to the late stage and becomes irreversible.