[The isolated loss of extension of the great toe following osteotomy of the fibula (author's transl)].

A peroneal nerve palsy can be observed following operative procedures or traumatic lesions of the lower leg. Primary damage of the nerve must be differentiated from the tibialis-anterior syndrome and the pseudo-paralysis. Following corrective osteotomies of the tibia with dissection of the fibula in the upper or medial third isolated lesions of the extensor hallucis longus muscle can be seen. Electromyographic and anatomical studies reveal that they may be caused by an isolated damage of the motor nerve fibres connecting the deep branch of the peroneal nerve with the extensor hallucis longus muscle lying very close to the fibula. Suggestions how to avoid this damage are made in the paper.