Deep posterior compartment of the leg

The deep posterior compartment of the leg is one of the four compartments in the leg between the knee and foot. Muscles within this compartment primarily produce ankle plantarflexion and toe flexion, with exception of the popliteus which acts on the knee. Of the two posterior compartments, the deep compartment is substantially the smallest.

The leg is separated into anterior, lateral, superficial posterior and deep posterior compartments by intermuscular septa and surrounded by the deep fascia of the leg. The transverse intermuscular septum divides the posterior compartments.

Muscles

• tibialis posterior muscle
• flexor digitorum longus muscle
• flexor hallucis longus muscle
• popliteus muscle

Blood supply

• branches of the posterior tibial artery and fibular artery

Innervation

• tibial nerve