Saturday Night Palsy of the Leg: Common Peroneal Neuropathy Following Prolonged Cross-Legged Sitting in a Boatman – A case report

Open Access

Abstract

Common peroneal neuropathy is the most frequent compressive neuropathy of the lower limb and commonly occurs at the fibular neck where the nerve is superficial and vulnerable to external compression. Prolonged postures involving leg crossing are recognized precipitating factors. I report a case of a 35-year-old boatman who developed acute weakness of right foot dorsiflexion and sensory impairment after maintaining a prolonged cross-legged sitting posture during boat sailing for approximately 8 hours. Clinical findings were consistent with compressive common peroneal neuropathy. Conservative management with avoidance of compressive posture, physiotherapy, and reassurance led to gradual improvement. This case highlights the occupational risk of posture-related peroneal nerve palsy and the importance of careful bedside neurological examination in identifying focal compressive neuropathies.