Superficial Peroneal Nerve, Dorsal View

Description

Arising as the terminal cutaneous branch of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve, the superficial fibular nerve is traced distally across the anterolateral leg and onto the dorsum of the foot, where it divides into the medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerves. On the dorsal surface, these branches fan out superficial to the extensor tendons and dorsal fascia, running toward the bases of the metatarsals and then distally toward the toes. Metatarsals and phalanges form the bony framework deep to the neurovascular plane, while intrinsic dorsal musculature and the extensor expansions create the layered context around the nerve’s terminal distribution. Clear landmarks. Clinical relevance centers on cutaneous sensory mapping and entrapment patterns. The superficial fibular nerve commonly becomes symptomatic where it pierces the deep crural fascia in the distal third of the leg, producing burning dysesthesia over the dorsum of the foot with relative sparing of the first dorsal web space, which is supplied by the deep fibular nerve. This dorsal view also supports operative planning for anterolateral ankle arthroscopy portals and dorsal midfoot incisions, where unrecognized superficial branches can be lacerated and lead to painful neuroma or persistent numbness. Use this plate to teach lower limb peripheral nerve anatomy in gross anatomy and regional anesthesia modules, or to illustrate sensory deficit patterns in neurology and sports medicine texts discussing ankle sprains, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and fibular neuropathies. It also suits clinical handouts for podiatry and orthopaedic follow-up when counseling patients about postoperative dorsal foot numbness. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.