The Superficial Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The superficial fibular nerve (superficial peroneal nerve) is a nerve of the lower limb. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the superficial fibular nerve – its anatomical course, functions and clinical correlations. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Overview Nerve roots: L4-S1 Motor: Innervates the muscles in the lateral compartment of the leg. Sensory: Supplies the anterolateral aspect of the distal leg and the majority of the dorsum of the foot (apart from the webbing between the hallux and the second digit). Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection of the lateral compartment of the leg. Prosection of the lateral compartment of the leg. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Anatomical Course The superficial fibular nerve is a terminal branch of the common fibular nerve. It arises at the neck of the fibula, descending between the fibularis muscles and the lateral side of the extensor digitorum longus. Here, it gives rise to motor branches, which supply the fibularis longus and brevis. The nerve continues its descent, with a purely cutaneous function, providing sensory innervation to the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg. When the superficial fibular nerve reaches the lower third of the leg, it pierces the deep crural fascia and terminates by dividing into the medial and intermedial dorsal cutaneous nerves. These nerves enter the foot to innervate the majority of its dorsal surface. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Anterior view of the leg, showing the major nerves. The proximal portion of the fibularis longus has been removed to show the bifurcation of the common fibular nerve. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The cutaneous nerves of the foot. Note the distribution of the dorsal cutaneous nerves Motor Functions The superficial fibular nerve supplies the fibularis longus and the fibularis brevis. These muscles form the lateral compartment of the leg. These muscles act to evert the foot (turn outwards) at the subtalar joint. They also weakly contribute to plantarflexion, although this action is mainly carried out by the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 3Muscles of the lateral leg; fibularis longus and brevis Sensory Functions The superficial fibular nerve provides cutaneous innervation to certain areas of the leg and foot: Innervates the skin over the anterolateral leg, via cutaneous branches directly from the superficial fibular nerve. Innervates the skin of the dorsum of the foot (except the first webbed space), via the medial and intermedial dorsal cutaneous nerves. The dermatomes to which these areas correspond are L5 and S1. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 4Cutaneous innervation of the leg, ankle and dorsum of foot Clinical Relevance There are two relatively common pathologies involving the damage to the superficial fibular nerve; entrapment and direct damage (e.g from a comminuted fracture). Superficial Fibular Nerve Entrapment Superficial peroneal nerve entrapment (also known as nerve compression) can cause pain, and paraesthesia over the lower leg and dorsum of the foot. Entrapment frequently results from ankle sprains or twisting of the ankle, as this causes the nerve to stretch in the lower leg. Another cause of nerve entrapment occurs at the point where the nerve exits the deep fascia of the leg, the nerve becoming compressed by this fascia. Surgical decompression of the nerve therefore is used to provide relief from the symptoms and pain. Direct Damage to the Superficial Fibular Nerve The superficial fibular nerve may be damaged by fracture of the fibula, or by a perforating wound to the lateral side of the leg. As the muscles that the superficial fibular nerve innervates are evertors, injury to the nerve may result in a loss of eversion. A loss of sensation over the majority of the dorsum of the foot and the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg could also result. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz The Superficial Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is the superficial fibular nerve and what are its main functions? The superficial fibular nerve is a terminal branch of the common fibular nerve that innervates the lateral compartment muscles of the leg, specifically the fibularis longus and brevis. It provides motor functions for foot eversion and sensory innervation to the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg and most of the dorsum of the foot. What muscles are innervated by the superficial fibular nerve? The superficial fibular nerve innervates the fibularis longus and fibularis brevis muscles. These muscles are responsible for eversion of the foot at the subtalar joint and contribute weakly to plantarflexion. What areas of the leg and foot receive sensory innervation from the superficial fibular nerve? The superficial fibular nerve supplies sensory innervation to the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot, excluding the first webbed space. This sensory function corresponds to the L5 and S1 dermatomes. What are the common clinical issues associated with the superficial fibular nerve? Common pathologies involving the superficial fibular nerve include entrapment and direct damage. Entrapment can lead to pain and paraesthesia, often caused by ankle sprains, while direct damage may occur from fibula fractures or penetrating wounds, resulting in loss of eversion and sensation. How can superficial fibular nerve entrapment occur, and what are its symptoms? Superficial fibular nerve entrapment can occur due to ankle sprains or compression at the point where the nerve exits the deep fascia of the leg. Symptoms include pain and paraesthesia in the lower leg and dorsum of the foot, necessitating potential surgical decompression for relief. Rate This Article