Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a gynecological procedure involving candy cane stirrups, special attention must be given to the peroneal nerve. This nerve runs laterally around the knee and can be susceptible to pressure when the legs are placed in an elevated and abducted position, as is common with candy cane stirrups. Prolonged or excessive pressure on the peroneal nerve can lead to a condition known as peroneal nerve palsy, which may result in motor weakness and sensory loss in the foot and ankle area.

The position of the patient with their legs in stirrups puts the peroneal nerve at risk due to its anatomical location. Ensuring that the leg is appropriately positioned to minimize pressure on this nerve is crucial to prevent any postoperative complications for the patient.

In contrast, although other nerves such as the sciatic, femoral, and common iliac nerves play important roles in lower limb function, they are less likely to be affected by the use of candy cane stirrups compared to the peroneal nerve. Therefore, focusing on the protection of the peroneal nerve is vital in these surgical settings.