Common Peroneal Nerve

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Description

The common peroneal nerve is the smaller and terminal branch of the sciatic nerve which is composed of the posterior divisions of L4, 5, S1, 2. It courses along the upper lateral side of the popliteal fossa, deep to biceps femoris and its tendon until it gets to the posterior part of the head of the fibula (Fig. 3.164). It passes forwards around the neck of the fibula within the substance of fibularis (peroneus) longus, where it terminates by dividing into the superficial and deep fibular (peroneal) nerves.

The nerve can be palpated behind the head of the fibula and as it winds around the neck of the fibula. The common fibular (peroneal) nerve gives articular branches to the knee and superior tibiofibular joint. The lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf (Fig. 3.165) supplies the posterolateral side of the proximal two-thirds of the leg. It usually arises in common with the fibular (peroneal) communicating branch which joins the sural nerve in the middle third of the leg.

Branches

While it still lies in the popliteal fossa, the common peroneal nerve gives off the lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf, a peroneal (sural) communicating branch and twigs to the knee joint, but has no muscular branches

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