Superficial Peroneal Nerve

Description

Arising from the common fibular (peroneal) nerve in the lateral compartment of the leg, the superficial fibular nerve descends deep to fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis and then becomes subcutaneous in the distal third of the leg as it pierces the crural fascia. Across the anterolateral ankle and dorsum of the foot, its terminal bifurcation into the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve is shown spreading distally over the metatarsals toward the toes. Extensor tendons course anterior to the ankle beneath the extensor retinacula, while the nerve branches run superficial to these fibrous bands and accompany small superficial veins and cutaneous vessels. Clean branching pattern. This distribution matters whenever dorsal foot sensation is used as a neurologic localizer. Entrapment of the superficial fibular nerve where it exits the fascia can produce burning dysesthesia over the anterolateral leg and dorsum of the foot with relative sparing of the first dorsal web space, a key distinction from deep fibular nerve injury. The same surface anatomy guides portals for ankle arthroscopy and the placement of anterolateral incisions, where iatrogenic injury to the medial or intermediate dorsal branches is a known complication and a frequent source of postoperative neuroma pain. Use this plate for lower-limb anatomy teaching in gross lab, podiatric medicine, and sports medicine modules focused on ankle sprain, compartment syndromes, and peripheral nerve entrapment. It also fits operative atlases and patient-facing education explaining sensory loss patterns on the dorsum of the foot after trauma or surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.