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Ultrasound of the common peroneal nerve at the knee: a structured scanning protocol

Bülent Alyanak1, Burak Tayyip Dede2, Fatih Bağcıer3, Mustafa Turgut Yıldızgören4

Affiliation and address for correspondence
J Ultrason 2026; 26: 8
DOI: 10.15557/JoU.2026.0008
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Abstract

The common peroneal nerve is one of the most frequent sites of neuropathy around the knee. Owing to its superficial course, it is highly vulnerable to both trauma and mechanical compression. High-frequency ultrasonography enables real-time, dynamic evaluation of the common peroneal nerve along its entire trajectory from the popliteal fossa to the exit from the peroneal tunnel. This article presents a stepwise, structured ultrasound protocol for the assessment of the common peroneal nerve in the peri-knee region. Supported by illustrative images and videos, the protocol is expected to facilitate practical applicability in daily practice and improve diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the guiding role of ultrasonography in interventional planning is highlighted.

Keywords
common peroneal nerve; peripheral nerve ultrasound; peroneal neuropathy; fibular head; peroneal tunnel
Video 1. Ultrasound demonstration of the common peroneal nerve from the popliteal fossa to the fibular head and fibular neck in a stepwise manner
Video 2. Ultrasound demonstration of the common peroneal nerve distal to the fibular neck, including its course within the peroneal tunnel and bifurcation into the superficial and deep peroneal branches