Nerve
Common fibular (peroneal) nerve
Sciatic branch vulnerable where it curves around the fibular neck
High-yield
A substantial injury at the fibular neck can weaken both foot lifting and eversion. Its fibular division supplies the short head of biceps femoris higher in the thigh, so that muscle is usually spared by a neck-level lesion.
Overview
The common fibular nerve carries signals to the front and outer side of the leg through its deep and superficial branches. Near the knee, it follows the biceps femoris tendon toward the fibula before dividing near the fibular neck.
Reference facts
- Root value
- Usually L4–S2, through the fibular division of the sciatic nerve
- Course
- Tracks along the medial side of the biceps femoris tendon, curves around the fibular neck and divides deep to fibularis longus into superficial and deep branches
- Motor
- Through terminal branches: lateral and anterior leg muscles and short extensors on the foot dorsum; the more proximal fibular division supplies short-head biceps femoris
- Sensory
- Lateral leg through sural cutaneous branches; much of the dorsal foot through superficial and deep fibular branches, with borders varying between people
Clinical correlation
External pressure, a nearby fracture or knee dislocation can injure this nerve. Foot drop may produce a high-stepping gait, but the same movement problem can also arise from a nerve-root or more central lesion.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Usually L4–S2, through the fibular division of the sciatic nerve.
What muscles does the common fibular (peroneal) nerve supply?
Through terminal branches: lateral and anterior leg muscles and short extensors on the foot dorsum; the more proximal fibular division supplies short-head biceps femoris.
What is the sensory distribution of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Lateral leg through sural cutaneous branches; much of the dorsal foot through superficial and deep fibular branches, with borders varying between people.
What is the course of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Tracks along the medial side of the biceps femoris tendon, curves around the fibular neck and divides deep to fibularis longus into superficial and deep branches.