Peroneal nerve

Peroneal nerve

The 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 major nerves of the lower limb and plays a crucial role in the movement and sensation of the leg and foot.

Anatomy

The 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 two 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 peroneus longus and peroneus 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 peroneal nerve is responsible for the dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot. It also plays a role in the sensation of the lower leg and foot. Damage to the peroneal nerve can result in foot drop, a condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot.

Clinical Significance

Injury to the peroneal nerve can occur due to trauma, compression, or medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Symptoms of peroneal nerve injury include weakness in foot dorsiflexion, loss of sensation in the lower leg and foot, and foot drop. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and electromyography (EMG) studies.

Related Pages

• Sciatic nerve
• Fibula
• Superficial peroneal nerve
• Deep peroneal nerve
• Foot drop
• Electromyography