Anatomic study of the superficial peroneal nerve using sonography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to show that sonography allows precise assessment of the location and course of the superficial peroneal nerve and of its relationship with other structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study, initially undertaken in cadavers, was followed by sonographic studies of 30 healthy adult volunteers (60 legs) by two radiologists in consensus. The location and course of the superficial peroneal nerve and its relationship with the adjacent anatomic structures were analyzed.

RESULTS: The entire course of the superficial peroneal nerve could be identified using sonography. The level at which the superficial peroneal nerve emerges between the peroneus longus and extensor digitorum longus muscles and the level at which it pierces the crural fascia and becomes subcutaneous were found to be highly variable. The superficial peroneal nerve was found to be located in the anterior compartment in 26.7% of the legs and to divide before piercing the crural fascia in 6.7% of the legs.

CONCLUSION: The superficial peroneal nerve can be clearly depicted by sonography. Knowledge of the nerve's precise location, which may show individual variations, may have useful clinical applications.