Common Fibular Nerve Flashcards

Explore the common fibular nerve, including its sciatic origin, course around the fibular neck, terminal branches, sensory supply, and clinical injuries.

Card 1 of 30Question

From which major peripheral nerve does the common fibular nerve arise?

The sciatic nerve.

In This Section

1. From which major peripheral nerve does the common fibular nerve arise?

The sciatic nerve.

2. Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the common fibular nerve?

L4, L5, S1, and S2.

3. From which divisions of the sacral plexus does the common fibular component originate?

The posterior divisions of the anterior rami of L4 to S2.

4. What is another name for the common fibular nerve?

The common peroneal nerve.

5. Where does the sciatic nerve usually divide into the tibial and common fibular nerves?

Near the superior angle of the popliteal fossa, although the division level varies.

6. What is the course of the common fibular nerve through the popliteal fossa?

It descends inferolaterally along the medial border of the biceps femoris tendon.

7. Which muscle tendon is closely related to the common fibular nerve near the lateral knee?

The biceps femoris tendon.

8. Which bony landmark does the common fibular nerve wind around?

The neck of the fibula.

9. Why is the common fibular nerve particularly vulnerable at the fibular neck?

It lies superficially against bone with relatively little soft tissue protection.

10. Which muscle does the common fibular nerve enter before dividing into its terminal branches?

Fibularis longus, also called peroneus longus.

11. What are the two terminal branches of the common fibular nerve?

The superficial fibular nerve and deep fibular nerve.

12. Which terminal branch supplies the muscles of the lateral leg compartment?

The superficial fibular nerve.

13. Which terminal branch supplies the muscles of the anterior leg compartment?

The deep fibular nerve.

14. Which thigh muscle receives motor innervation from the common fibular component of the sciatic nerve?

The short head of biceps femoris.

15. Which cutaneous branch arises directly from the common fibular nerve in the popliteal region?

The lateral sural cutaneous nerve.

16. What region receives sensation from the lateral sural cutaneous nerve?

The skin over the proximal lateral aspect of the leg.

17. Which communicating branch of the common fibular nerve may contribute to the sural nerve?

The sural communicating branch.

18. Which ligament receives an articular branch from the common fibular nerve near the knee?

The superior tibiofibular joint capsule, through an articular branch.

19. Which part of the foot receives sensory innervation primarily through the superficial fibular nerve?

Most of the dorsum of the foot.

20. Which small skin region is characteristically supplied by the deep fibular nerve?

The first dorsal web space between the great toe and second toe.

21. Which ankle movement is lost or severely weakened after complete common fibular nerve injury?

Dorsiflexion of the foot.

22. Which foot movement is weakened by paralysis of the lateral leg compartment after common fibular nerve injury?

Eversion of the foot.

23. What is foot drop?

Inability or marked difficulty dorsiflexing the foot, causing the forefoot to hang downward.

24. What compensatory gait pattern commonly develops with common fibular nerve palsy?

A high-stepping gait to prevent the toes from dragging during swing.

25. Which lower limb fracture commonly places the common fibular nerve at risk?

A fracture involving the fibular head or neck.

26. Which knee ligament injury may be associated with common fibular nerve damage?

Injury to the posterolateral corner, including the lateral collateral ligament complex.

27. Which external pressure can cause common fibular nerve compression near the fibular neck?

Prolonged leg crossing, tight casts, or sustained pressure against the lateral knee.

28. What sensory deficit may occur after a complete common fibular nerve lesion at the fibular neck?

Reduced sensation over the anterolateral leg and much of the dorsum of the foot.

29. Which clinical examination movements help assess common fibular nerve function?

Resisted ankle dorsiflexion, toe extension, and foot eversion.

30. Which diagnostic test helps localize common fibular nerve injury and assess its severity?

Nerve conduction studies combined with needle electromyography.