Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Superficial Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve

Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Superficial Peroneal (Fibular) Nerve

Garrett Alexandrea; Geiger Zachary

StatPearls

2018

2018-01

The superficial peroneal nerve is also known as the superior fibular nerve. The superficial peroneal nerve originates from the common peroneal nerve alongside the deep peroneal nerve. The superficial peroneal nerve is the smaller of the two nerves.[1] The common peroneal nerve is comprised of fibers from spinal nerves L4 through S1 which itself originates from the bifurcation of the sciatic nerve which is composed of nerve fibers from spinal nerves L4 through S3. The sciatic nerve terminates and bifurcates at the apex of the popliteal fossa and becomes the common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve as it wraps around the fibular neck.[2][3] After bifurcation from the common peroneal, the superficial peroneal nerve courses within the peroneus longus muscle.[1] This nerve thus provides motor innervation to the peroneus longus muscle. Additionally, the nerve also innervates the peroneus brevis muscle.[1] The nerve exits through the peroneal muscles on the anterolateral aspect of the lower half of the lower leg approximately 12 cm above the ankle joint at a defect in the crural fascia also known as the deep fascia of the leg.[1] The remainder of the nerve has sensory function provided by two branches inferiorly which are known as the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve (the larger of the two branches) and the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve. These nerves provide sensory innervation to the anterolateral aspect of the leg, the dorsum of the foot, and the dorsal aspect of the toes with the exception of the first web space.[1] The first web space is innervated by the dorsal peroneal nerve.[4]

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