Nerve
Common fibular (peroneal) nerve
Most commonly injured leg nerve
High-yield
Winds around the fibular neck (superficial and vulnerable); injury → foot drop, steppage gait, and sensory loss on the dorsum of the foot.
Overview
The smaller terminal branch of the sciatic nerve that wraps around the fibular neck and divides into deep and superficial fibular nerves.
Reference facts
- Roots
L4, L5, S1, S2 (common fibular division of the sciatic)
- Course
Follows the medial border of biceps femoris, then winds superficially around the neck of the fibula before dividing into deep and superficial fibular nerves
- Motor
Anterior and lateral leg compartments (via its deep and superficial branches)
- Sensory
Anterolateral leg and dorsum of the foot
Clinical correlation
The most commonly injured nerve in the lower limb (fibular neck fracture, tight cast) → foot drop.