Nerve
Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve
Lateral-leg motor nerve continuing into dorsal foot skin branches
High-yield
A proximal lesion can weaken eversion while preserving dorsiflexion supplied through the deep fibular nerve. The first dorsal toe web and the outer edge of the little toe usually belong to other nerves.
Overview
The superficial fibular nerve supplies fibularis longus and brevis before becoming more superficial in the lower leg. Its terminal skin branches spread across much of the top of the foot.
Reference facts
- Root value
- Often listed as L5–S2 through the common fibular nerve; segmental descriptions vary among references
- Course
- Usually descends in the lateral leg compartment, then pierces the deep fascia and continues as dorsal cutaneous branches; course and branching level vary
- Motor
- Fibularis longus and fibularis brevis
- Sensory
- Distal anterolateral leg and much of the foot dorsum; typically excludes the first dorsal web, lateral little-toe edge and distal nail-bed regions
Clinical correlation
Entrapment near the point where the nerve pierces deep fascia can cause pain or altered sensation over the distal leg and dorsal foot. Motor strength can remain normal when the compression is below the branches to the fibularis muscles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Often listed as L5–S2 through the common fibular nerve; segmental descriptions vary among references.
What muscles does the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve supply?
The superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve supplies the fibularis longus and fibularis brevis.
What is the sensory distribution of the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Distal anterolateral leg and much of the foot dorsum; typically excludes the first dorsal web, lateral little-toe edge and distal nail-bed regions.
What is the course of the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve?
Usually descends in the lateral leg compartment, then pierces the deep fascia and continues as dorsal cutaneous branches; course and branching level vary.