Deep Peroneal Nerve, Lateral View

Description

Oriented to the lateral aspect of the male leg and dorsum of the foot, the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve is traced as it emerges from the common fibular nerve near the fibular neck and enters the anterior compartment deep to the extensor digitorum longus. Distally it runs on the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane with the anterior tibial artery, then passes beneath the extensor retinacula toward the dorsum, where its terminal branches course toward the first web space. The tibia lies medial to the fibula, while the long extensor tendons cross anterior to the ankle en route to the digits. Small companion vessels and cutaneous branches are shown in their expected relationships around the lateral malleolar region and dorsal midfoot. Clinically, this course explains why deep fibular nerve symptoms often localize to dorsal foot pain or paresthesia in the first dorsal web space, with weakness of ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension when the lesion is proximal. Entrapment beneath the inferior extensor retinaculum (anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome) and iatrogenic injury during anterior ankle arthroscopy or fixation of distal tibia and fibula fractures are common teaching correlations. Proximal vulnerability at the fibular neck also frames the classic foot drop pattern after compression of the common fibular nerve, while sparing patterns help you differentiate deep from superficial fibular involvement. A small territory. Big diagnostic payoff. Use this plate for lower limb anatomy labs, neuroanatomy modules on peripheral nerve lesions, and operative teaching materials for anterior compartment release, ankle arthroscopy portals, or dorsal foot approaches where the deep fibular nerve and anterior tibial (dorsalis pedis) axis must be respected. It also supports EMG and clinical exam guides that map motor deficits to extensor compartment denervation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.