CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE ANATOMICAL VARIABILITY OF SUPERFICIAL PERONEAL NERVE IN THE LEG AND FOOT -- A Case Report.

Introduction: The aim of this report is to refine further knowledge on the cutaneous distribution pattern of the superficial peroneal nerve in the lower 3rd of the leg and in the dorsum of the foot. Case report: Superficial peroneal nerve after supplying the peroneal muscles, gave a medial cutaneous branch which pierced the deep fascia between the flexor digitorum longus and peroneous longus tendons to emerge in the middle of the anterior compartment of the leg. This branch descended in front of the middle of the ankle to the dorsum of the foot and branched to supply the whole of the medial side of the great toe, the medial side of the 1st metatarsal region and the 1st web space. Superficial peroneal nerve continued in the peroneal tunnel in the anterior intermuscular septum, about 2.5cm, above the ankle joint it pierced the deep fascia to descend in front of the lateral malleous to enter the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot. It divided into medial and lateral terminal branches to supply the adjacent sides of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th toes and lateral side of the little toe. Conclusion: Identifying and locating the Superficial Peroneal nerve in this region is mandatory: a) when either the deep or superficial peroneal nerve must be resected in the treatment of pain on the dorsum of the foot. b) whenever neurolysis is required. c) during fasciotomy, done for compression syndromes of the branches of common peroneal nerve frequently occurring primary or secondary to trauma or surgery. d) during elevation of fasciocutaneous flaps or fibular flaps. Clinical implication of anatomical variations of Superficial peroneal nerve are of utmost importance to surgeons during surgery as they must be aware of such variable branching pattern of the nerve and its distribution in the leg and dorsum of the foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]