Common Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve Injury !
Common fibular nerve injury is damage to the nerve wrapping around the outer knee near the fibula; it causes foot drop and numbness on top of the foot.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.
Why it happens
- Peripheral nerve: endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium; myelin
- Nerve injury and regeneration (Wallerian degeneration)
What it is
Injury to the common fibular nerve as it wraps around the fibular neck, causing foot drop.
Causes
- Compression at the fibular neck
- Trauma or stretch
- Prolonged leg crossing or tight casts
Symptoms and signs
- Foot drop (inability to dorsiflex)
- Numbness on the dorsum of the foot
- Weak eversion
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- Exam and history of compression or trauma
- Tests
- Nerve conduction studies if needed
- Imaging
- MRI or ultrasound at the fibular neck
Treatment
- Conservative
- Remove the source of compression, ankle-foot orthosis, and physical therapy.
- Surgical
- Exploration or decompression if no recovery or structural cause.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Peroneal Nerve Injury (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
