Anatomic location of the peroneal nerve at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia: Gerdy's safe zone.

Background: Injury to the peroneal nerve is one of the most serious complications in orthopaedic surgery. Because percutaneous procedures at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia are becoming increasingly popular, it is critical to have a thorough knowledge of the trajectory of the peroneal nerve and its main branches at the level of the proximal aspect of the tibia. This anatomic study was conducted in an attempt to (1) define the anatomy of the common peroneal nerve and its branches in a three-dimensional fashion and (2) identify an anatomic landmark on the surface to help define a safe area that is void of the main nerve and its branches.