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

Excerpt

The superficial peroneal nerve, also known as the superficial fibular nerve, originates from the common peroneal nerve alongside the deep peroneal nerve. The superficial peroneal nerve is the smaller of the two common peroneal nerve branches.

The common peroneal nerve comprises fibers from spinal nerves L4 through S1. The common peroneal nerve branches out from the sciatic nerve, which is composed of nerve fibers from spinal nerves L4 through S3.

The sciatic nerve terminates at the apex of the popliteal fossa, bifurcating into the common peroneal and tibial nerves as it wraps around the fibular neck.

After diverging from the common peroneal nerve, the superficial peroneal nerve courses through the peroneus longus muscle. The superficial peroneal nerve provides motor stimulation to the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles (see Image, Lower Limb, Peroneal Nerve).

The superficial peroneal nerve exits the peroneal muscles on the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, approximately 12 cm above the ankle joint, at a defect in the crural fascia (aka "deep fascia of the leg").

The medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerves emerge inferiorly from the superficial peroneal nerve. The medial dorsal cutaneous nerve is the larger of the two. These nerves provide sensory innervation to the leg's anterolateral aspect, the dorsum of the foot, and the dorsal aspect of the toes, except the 1st interdigital space, which is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve (see Image. Superficial Peroneal Nerve Block).