Fibular nerve: fibular neck, ankle and leg
The common fibular nerve winds around the fibular neck with little superficial protection. The deep fibular nerve can be entrapped beneath the extensor retinacula at the ankle (anterior tarsal tunnel), and the superficial fibular nerve where it passes through the crural fascia. This page brings the three sites together with their anatomical plate and references. The SLR and its plantar flexion and inversion variant are the neurodynamic tests that load it.
Common fibular Head and neck of the fibula
The nerve winds around the fibular neck with little superficial protection and enters beneath fibularis longus. This relationship explains its vulnerability to external pressure, trauma or local lesions, including ganglion cysts. Sufficient involvement may compromise dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot.
- Frequency
- Common, well-established site for this nerve.
- Type of evidence
- Anatomical and clinical review
References
- Drăghici NC, Văcăraș V, Bolchis R, Bashimov A, Domnița DM, Iluț S, Popa LL, Lupescu TD, Mureșanu DF. Diagnostic Approach to Lower Limb Entrapment Neuropathies: A Narrative Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023. PubMed 37958280 · DOI
- Kumar S, Mangi MD, Zadow S, Lim W. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2023. PubMed 37782348 · DOI
Deep fibular Anterior tarsal tunnel
On the anterior aspect of the ankle, the deep fibular nerve passes beneath the extensor retinacula. Footwear pressure, bony changes or neighbouring tissues may contribute to entrapment. Sensation in the first web space is a clinical landmark, although it does not by itself localise the lesion.
- Frequency
- Described site, less commonly seen.
- Type of evidence
- Anatomical and clinical review
References
- Bojovic M, Dimitrijevic S, Olory BCR, Eirale C, AlSeyrafi O, AlBaker AA, Krivokapic B, Jeremic D, DHooghe P. Overview of nerve entrapment syndromes in the foot and ankle. Int Orthop 2025. PubMed 40042611 · DOI
Superficial fibular Exit through the crural fascia
The superficial fibular nerve becomes subcutaneous as it pierces the fascia of the lateral compartment of the leg. That exit point is a described site of entrapment, associated in some cases with fascial defects, muscle herniation or the sequelae of trauma.
- Frequency
- Described site, less commonly seen.
- Type of evidence
- Anatomical and clinical review
References
- Drăghici NC, Văcăraș V, Bolchis R, Bashimov A, Domnița DM, Iluț S, Popa LL, Lupescu TD, Mureșanu DF. Diagnostic Approach to Lower Limb Entrapment Neuropathies: A Narrative Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023. PubMed 37958280 · DOI