Gerdy’s safe zone in the Kenyan population: a cadaveric study

Abstract

Background: The Common Peroneal Nerve (CPN) is a branch of the sciatic nerve, which is almost subcutaneous in its course around the fibula. This means it is a structure that is at risk when performing procedures around the proximal fibula and tibia. This study was done to determine a safe zone in which procedures can be performed without injuring it.

Objective: To determine the extent of Gerdy’s safe zone in the Kenyan population.

Design: This was an anatomical descriptive cross- sectional study.

Methods: The study was carried out at the human anatomy laboratory, Moi University. Dissection was done on forty three right sided formalin fixed limbs. Right sided lower limbs were chosen because they were more in number than the left sided lower limbs thus satisfying requirements of study population.

Results: Forty three right sided lower limbs (32 male, 11 female) were dissected. The nerve was seen to define an arc like trajectory around Gerdy’s tubercle, with a mean radius of 57.6±5mm.

Conclusion: In this population, Gerdy’s safe zone (radius of 57.6±5mm) is most likely to be free of the common peroneal nerve and its branches and thus can be marked preoperatively before carrying out procedures in the proximal tibia.

Keywords: Gerdy’s tubercle, Gerdy’s safe zone, Tibia