Anatomic Study of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve Using Sonography
June 25th, 2009 Posted by: admin
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.
