What nerve injury is commonly associated with a femoral shaft or lateral tibial plateau fracture?

The peroneal nerve injury is commonly associated with femoral shaft and lateral tibial plateau fractures due to its anatomical positioning. The peroneal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, winds around the fibula in the proximal lateral aspect of the leg, making it susceptible to injury from fractures in the upper thigh or knee areas.

When the femoral shaft undergoes trauma, particularly in the context of direct impact or displacement, it can create a cascade effect that results in injury to the peroneal nerve. Similarly, fractures at the lateral tibial plateau can also lead to swelling or misalignment that puts pressure on the peroneal nerve. This can manifest clinically as foot drop, where the patient experiences difficulty dorsiflexing the foot.

In contrast, injuries to the sciatic nerve generally occur with more extensive trauma such as hip dislocation or severe proximal femoral fractures, rather than isolated femoral shaft or lateral tibial plateau injuries. The radial nerve is concerned with the upper extremities and is not involved in the types of lower limb fractures mentioned, while cauda equina syndrome pertains to lower spinal nerve roots and would not be directly related to the indicated fractures. Therefore, the association of peroneal nerve injury with these