Deep Fibular Nerve Flashcards

Examine the deep fibular nerve, including its course through the anterior leg, muscular branches, sensory territory, and clinical injuries.

Card 1 of 30Question

From which nerve does the deep fibular nerve arise?

The common fibular nerve, also called the common peroneal nerve.

In This Section

1. From which nerve does the deep fibular nerve arise?

The common fibular nerve, also called the common peroneal nerve.

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

L4, L5, and S1.

3. What is another name for the deep fibular nerve?

The deep peroneal nerve.

4. Is the deep fibular nerve a motor, sensory, or mixed nerve?

A mixed nerve containing motor and sensory fibers.

5. Where does the common fibular nerve usually divide to form the deep fibular nerve?

Within the fibularis longus muscle near the neck of the fibula.

6. Which compartment of the leg is supplied by the deep fibular nerve?

The anterior compartment of the leg.

7. Which muscle does the deep fibular nerve initially pass through or deep to when entering the anterior leg?

Extensor digitorum longus.

8. Which major artery accompanies the deep fibular nerve through the anterior leg?

The anterior tibial artery.

9. Where does the deep fibular nerve lie relative to the anterior tibial artery in the distal leg?

Usually lateral to the artery, although their relationship varies along the course.

10. Which muscle lies medial to the deep fibular nerve in much of the proximal anterior leg?

Tibialis anterior.

11. Between which two tendons does the deep fibular nerve commonly pass at the anterior ankle?

The tendons of extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus.

12. Beneath which retinaculum does the deep fibular nerve pass at the ankle?

The inferior extensor retinaculum.

13. Which anterior leg muscles receive motor innervation from the deep fibular nerve?

Tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and fibularis tertius.

14. Which two intrinsic muscles on the dorsum of the foot receive deep fibular nerve innervation?

Extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallucis brevis.

15. Which movement at the ankle is primarily produced by muscles supplied by the deep fibular nerve?

Dorsiflexion of the foot.

16. Which toe movements depend on the deep fibular nerve?

Extension of the great toe and lesser toes.

17. How does the deep fibular nerve contribute to foot inversion?

It supplies tibialis anterior, which assists inversion of the foot.

18. What are the two principal terminal branches of the deep fibular nerve on the dorsum of the foot?

The medial and lateral terminal branches.

19. Which terminal branch of the deep fibular nerve provides its characteristic cutaneous supply?

The medial terminal branch.

20. Which region of skin receives sensory innervation from the deep fibular nerve?

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

21. Which terminal branch supplies extensor digitorum brevis?

The lateral terminal branch of the deep fibular nerve.

22. Which joint receives articular branches from the deep fibular nerve near the ankle?

The ankle joint.

23. What motor deficit commonly results from a complete deep fibular nerve injury in the proximal leg?

Foot drop caused by paralysis of the primary ankle dorsiflexors.

24. What gait adaptation may occur with deep fibular nerve palsy?

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

25. What is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Compression of the deep fibular nerve beneath the inferior extensor retinaculum.

26. What sensory symptoms may occur with anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Pain, tingling, or numbness in the first dorsal web space.

27. Which intrinsic foot muscle may undergo atrophy with chronic distal deep fibular nerve compression?

Extensor digitorum brevis.

28. How can deep fibular nerve motor function be examined clinically?

By testing resisted ankle dorsiflexion and great toe extension.

29. How does isolated deep fibular nerve injury differ from common fibular nerve injury?

Foot eversion is relatively preserved because the superficial fibular nerve remains intact.

30. Which diagnostic studies can help localize deep fibular nerve injury?

Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography.