Anterior Perspective of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve

Description

Arising from the common fibular (peroneal) nerve in the lateral compartment of the leg, the superficial fibular nerve descends deep to fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis before piercing the crural fascia in the distal third of the leg to become cutaneous. From an anterior perspective at the ankle and dorsum of the foot, its medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous branches course superficial to the extensor retinacula and spread distally over the metatarsals toward the toes. Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus tendons lie anterior and deep, while the fibula remains lateral and the tibia medial, establishing the corridor where the nerve emerges. This anterior view matters because the superficial fibular nerve is the dominant sensory supply to most of the dorsum of the foot, with classic sparing of the first dorsal web space (deep fibular nerve) and the lateral border of the fifth toe (sural nerve). That distribution is a practical bedside map. Entrapment where the nerve perforates the fascia can produce exertional anterolateral leg pain and dorsal foot paresthesia, and iatrogenic injury is a known risk during ankle arthroscopy portal placement and lateral malleolar incisions. Use this plate to teach lower limb cutaneous innervation in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy labs, or to support chapters on peripheral nerve entrapment, ankle approaches, and regional anesthesia (superficial fibular nerve block at the distal leg). It also fits clinical handouts distinguishing peroneal neuropathy at the fibular neck from distal superficial fibular neuropathy by sensory territory and motor findings. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.