Deep Peroneal Nerve

Description

Running anteroinferiorly from the anterior compartment of the leg, the deep peroneal (deep fibular) nerve is followed as it crosses the ankle beneath the extensor retinacula and reaches the dorsum of the foot, where it divides into terminal medial and lateral branches. Distal to the talus and navicular, its fibers course along the dorsal metatarsals toward the toes, lying deep to the extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus tendons and close to the dorsal venous network. Phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsal bones provide fixed landmarks for tracing this innervation pattern from proximal ankle to the distal forefoot. This distal segment matters because the deep fibular nerve has a narrow sensory territory and a clinically distinctive injury pattern. Entrapment beneath the inferior extensor retinaculum, often discussed as anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, can produce dorsal foot pain and paresthesia classically localized to the first dorsal web space between hallux and second toe. The close relationship to dorsal veins and the dorsalis pedis region also makes it relevant during dorsal midfoot approaches, external fixation pin placement, and venipuncture, where iatrogenic neuropraxia is an avoidable complication. Small territory, big consequences. Educators can place this plate directly into lower limb anatomy teaching, peripheral nerve block instruction, and exam prep materials that emphasize dermatomes versus named cutaneous nerves on the dorsum of the foot. Publishers and clinical teams will also find it suitable for podiatry and orthopedic content explaining Lisfranc region exposure, dorsal incision planning, and post-traumatic sensory complaints after ankle sprain or midfoot surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.