Outcomes of Deep Peroneal Neurectomy: A Scoping Review of Complications, Postoperative Recovery, and Patient-Reported Satisfaction

Authors

• Krista Elizabeth Samreth, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• James Hughes, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Amayrani Sanchez, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Nicholas Obias, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Madeleine Mehaffey, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Stephanie Campbell DPM, AACFAS, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 4-28-2026

Abstract

Background: Deep peroneal neurectomy (DPN) evolved as a surgical treatment alternative for patients with painful midfoot arthritis who may not tolerate more invasive surgery such as arthrodesis. This scoping review aims to display current evidence of postoperative recovery complications and patient-reported outcomes specific to alternative surgical treatment of DPN.

Methods: A scoping review was completed using PRISMA-ScR reporting standards. Investigators searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Foot & Ankle Orthopedics, and Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery for studies from 2002 to 2025 with search terms: “deep peroneal neurectomy,” OR “deep peroneal nerve excision,” OR “peroneal neurectomies” AND “midfoot arthritis”. Exclusion criteria included: duplicates and papers unavailable in English. Data compilation included mean follow-up, complications, patient satisfaction, sample size, and study type.

Results: Utilizing search terms, 78 articles were retrieved; of these, 20 met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 3 to 87 patients, with a mean patient age of 55. Follow-up periods were 8 to 36 months. 8 of the 20 studies discussed patients with midfoot arthritis experiencing pain reduction lasting more than six months in populations younger than 50 years of age.

In terms of reported complication rates, 2 of the 20 articles discussed pain recurrence, neuropathy, and paresthesia. Infections and revision surgeries were not reported.

Discussion: Deep peroneal neurectomy is an effective and efficient procedural alternative to arthrodesis for patients with arthritic midfoot pain, providing symptom relief, high patient satisfaction, immediate ambulation, and improved stability, reducing fall risk with minimal complications. Of note, some patients experienced incomplete pain relief. Literature on DPN is limited due to follow-up duration, heterogeneous patient selection, and anatomic innervation variability. Trials with longer follow-up and standardized measures of patient-reported outcomes are needed to confirm long-term recommendations for DPN as an alternative procedure to midfoot arthrodesis.

Recommended Citation

Samreth, Krista Elizabeth; Hughes, James; Sanchez, Amayrani; Obias, Nicholas; Mehaffey, Madeleine; and Campbell, Stephanie DPM, AACFAS, "Outcomes of Deep Peroneal Neurectomy: A Scoping Review of Complications, Postoperative Recovery, and Patient-Reported Satisfaction" (2026). School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research. 38.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/sopm_mspub/38