Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5–S2)

Terminal branches · L5 S1 S2

Descends in the lateral compartment between fibularis longus and brevis, supplying them, then pierces the deep fascia in the distal third of the leg to become cutaneous, dividing into medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerves over the dorsum of the foot.

Traced from the start

  1. L4 anterior ramusL5 anterior ramus
  2. S1 anterior ramusS2 anterior ramusS3 anterior ramusS4 anterior ramus
  3. Lumbosacral trunk (L4–L5)Sacral plexus anterior divisionsSacral plexus posterior divisions
  4. Sciatic nerve (L4–S3)
  5. Common fibular (peroneal) nerve (L4–S2)
  6. Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5–S2)

Detail

Motor
Fibularis longus and brevis — eversion and weak plantarflexion
Sensory
Lower anterolateral leg and most of the dorsum of the foot, except the first web space (deep fibular) and the lateral border (sural)

When it goes wrong

Lateral compartment syndrome, traction from a severe inversion ankle sprain, or entrapment where it pierces the deep fascia

Weak eversion with numbness of the lower lateral leg and dorsum of the foot; dorsiflexion is intact because the deep fibular nerve is spared, so there is no foot drop

Practise this structure

1 question in the bank tagged Leg Compartments.