Technique of the Sural Nerve Biopsy

A sural nerve biopsy may be useful to enable the clinician to diagnose the etiology and underlying pathology of patients presenting with symptoms of a peripheral neuropathy, when no clear underlying cause has been determined with conventional assessment such as electrophysiology or quantitative sensory testing. Given the prevalence of lower extremity neurological pathology, it is surprising that few descriptions in the peer-reviewed medical literature exist on the rationale and technique for biopsy of the sural nerve. We review the usefulness of this procedure, describe the technique, and discuss the potential complications. © 2007 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.