Common peroneal nerves

Common peroneal nerve

The common peroneal nerve, also known as the common fibular nerve, is a branch of the sciatic nerve that provides motor and sensory innervation to parts of the lower leg. It is one of the two major divisions of the sciatic nerve, the other being the tibial nerve.

Anatomy

The common peroneal nerve originates from the sciatic nerve in the posterior compartment of the thigh. It travels down the leg, wrapping around the neck of the fibula before dividing into its two terminal branches: the superficial peroneal nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.

Branches

• Superficial peroneal nerve: This branch innervates the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg, including the fibularis longus and fibularis brevis. It also provides sensory innervation to the skin over the lower part of the leg and the dorsum of the foot.
• Deep peroneal nerve: This branch innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg, including the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and extensor hallucis longus. It also provides sensory innervation to the web space between the first and second toes.

Function

The common peroneal nerve is responsible for both motor and sensory functions. It controls the muscles that lift the foot and toes (dorsiflexion) and those that evert the foot. Sensory functions include providing sensation to the skin over the upper lateral and lower anterior parts of the leg and the dorsum of the foot.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the common peroneal nerve can result in a condition known as foot drop, where the patient is unable to dorsiflex the foot. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or other neurological conditions. Symptoms may include weakness in foot and toe extension, loss of sensation in the affected areas, and difficulty walking.

Related Pages

• Sciatic nerve
• Tibial nerve
• Superficial peroneal nerve
• Deep peroneal nerve
• Foot drop
• Fibula
• Tibialis anterior
• Extensor digitorum longus
• Extensor hallucis longus