| A 22-year-old male patient undergoes a percutaneous Achilles tendon repair. After surgery, the patient reports decreased sensation in his foot. Based on the repair technique, which of the following locations will most likely be numb? |
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- Dorsal foot at the 1st web space The deep peroneal nerve is not at risk with this particular repair technique so there will be no numbness in this area
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- Lateral foot along the 5th ray The sural nerve courses from a slightly medial position to a lateral position as it progresses down the posterior leg. Typically, it is located just lateral to the Achilles tendon at the rupture site and is at risk during Achilles repair
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- Dorsal medial foot along the 1st ray The dorsal medial cutaneous branch of the superficial peroneal nerve is not at risk during this procedure. Injury to this nerve is more common with bunion surgery
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- Over the medial malleolus The saphenous nerve is at minimal risk with Achilles tendon surgery.