[Peroneal nerve injury due to heterotopic ossification: rare complication following surgical treatment of an acetabular fracture].

BACKGROUND

Sciatic nerve entrapment due to heterotopic ossification is a rare late complication of the surgical treatment of an acetabular fracture.

CASE DESCRIPTION: In this article we present the case of a 34-year-old male, who developed weakness of the dorsiflexors of his right ankle several months after an open reduction of an acetabular fracture. The weakness was caused by isolated ectopic bone formation around the peroneal nerve in the presence of an anatomical variation, namely a high division of the sciatic nerve into the tibial and peroneal nerves. Surgical resection of the heterotopic ossification resulted in nearly complete recovery of dorsiflexion function.

CONCLUSION

This case describes a rare late complication secondary to surgical treatment of an acetabular fracture. The anamnesis shows the clinical relevance of knowledge of the anatomical variation in the course of the sciatic nerve.