From the Research
The peroneal nerve provides sensation to the lateral aspect of the leg and the dorsum of the foot, with the superficial peroneal nerve supplying sensory innervation to the lateral lower leg and the dorsum of the foot, except for the web space between the first and second toes, which is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve. This sensory distribution is crucial in clinical assessments for peroneal nerve injuries, which may present with numbness or paresthesia in these areas 1. The peroneal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, divides at the popliteal fossa into the common peroneal nerve, which further divides into superficial and deep branches. Understanding this sensory distribution aids clinicians in diagnosing conditions like peroneal neuropathy, fibular head fractures, or compartment syndrome that may affect this nerve. Key points to consider include:
- The superficial peroneal nerve's role in providing sensation to the lateral lower leg and most of the foot's dorsum 2.
- The deep peroneal nerve's specific innervation of the first web space between the great toe and second toe 1.
- Anatomical variations in the cutaneous innervation of the foot's dorsum, which can impact surgical procedures and the diagnosis of nerve injuries 1, 3. Given the most recent and highest quality evidence, the superficial peroneal nerve is responsible for the sensory innervation of the lateral aspect of the leg and the majority of the foot's dorsum, while the deep peroneal nerve innervates the first web space 1. This knowledge is essential for accurate diagnoses and treatments of conditions affecting the peroneal nerve.