Deep peroneal nerve

The deep peroneal (fibular) nerve is one of two terminal branches of the common peroneal nerve.

Summary

• origin: the terminal branch of common peroneal nerve in the lateral compartment of the leg
• course: passes into the anterior compartment of the leg, where it courses inferiorly into the dorsal aspect of the foot under the extensor retinaculum at the ankle, between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus
• motor supply: anterior compartment of the leg
• sensory supply: dorsal aspect of the foot 

Gross anatomy

Origin

Arises as one of two terminal branches of the common peroneal nerve deep to peroneus longus muscle.

Course

Courses medially under peroneus longus muscle to pierce the inter-muscular septum. After entering the anterior compartment of the leg, it makes a sharp turn and courses inferiorly on the anterior aspect of the interosseous membrane accompanied by the anterior tibial vessels. The deep peroneal nerve passes under the extensor retinaculum at the ankle between the tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus along with the anterior tibial vessels.

Branches and supply

• recurrent branch: articular supply to the knee
• muscular twigs to
  • peroneus longus (given off in the lateral compartment)
  • muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg
    • tibialis anterior muscle
    • extensor hallucis longus muscle
    • extensor digitorum longus muscle
    • peroneus tertius muscle
• digital (sensory) nerves to the 1 and 2 toes