Anatomical Variants of “Short Head of Biceps Femoris Muscle” Associated with Common Peroneal Neuropathy in Korean Populations : An MRI Based Study
- Author:
Jinseo YANG
1
;
Yongjun CHO
;
Jaeho CHO
;
Hyukjai CHOI
;
Jinpyeong JEON
;
Sukhyung KANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Peroneal nerve; Fibular nerve; Peroneal neuropathies; Nerve compression syndromes; Entrapment neuropathy
- MeSH: Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Head; Humans; Knee; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Peroneal Nerve; Peroneal Neuropathies; Posture; Retrospective Studies
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2018;61(4):509-515
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In Asians, kneeling and squatting are the postures that are most often induce common peroneal neuropathy. However, we could not identify a compatible compression site of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) during hyper-flexion of knees. To evaluate the course of the CPN at the popliteal area related with compressive neuropathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy Koreans.METHODS: 1.5-Tesla knee MRI scans were obtained from enrolled patients and were retrospectively reviewed. The normal populations were divided into two groups according to the anatomical course of the CPN. Type I included subjects with the CPN situated superficial to the lateral gastocnemius muscle (LGCM). Type II included subjects with the CPN between the short head of biceps femoris muscle (SHBFM) and the LGCM. We calculated the thickness of the SHBFM and posterior elongation of this muscle, and the LGCM at the level of femoral condyles. In type II, the length of popliteal tunnel where the CPN passes was measured.RESULTS: The 93 normal subjects were included in this study. The CPN passed through the “popliteal tunnel” formed between the SHBFM and the LGCM in 36 subjects (38.7% type II). The thicknesses of SHBFM and posterior portions of this muscle were statistically significantly increased in type II subjects. The LGCM thickness was comparable in both groups. In 78.8% of the “popliteal tunnel”, a length of 21 mm to < 40 mm was measured.CONCLUSION: In Korean population, the course of the CPN through the “popliteal tunnel” was about 40%, which is higher than the Western results. This anatomical characteristic may be helpful for understanding the mechanism of the CPNe by posture.
