3 – Anatomy: The trajectory of the superficial peroneal nerve

The superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) branches off the common peroneal nerve in the proximal lateral compartment of the leg

The SPN descends in the lateral compartment between the peroneal muscles and the fibula. It innervates the peroneal muscles

Approx. 10 cm above the lateral malleolus the SPN emerges between the lateral compartment (peroneal muscles) and the anterior compartment (the extensor muscles of the foot) and pierces the deep fascia of the leg

Above the deep fascia the SPN splits into the intermediate and medial dorsal cutaneous nerves that supply cutaneous innervation to the antero-lateral part of the distal leg, ankle and dorsum of foot – including the dorsal digital nerves that supply innervation of dorsal part of the toes and the interdigital spaces – except the first interdigital space