A Variation of the Double Deep Fibular Nerve with Multiple Connections to the Superficial Fibular Nerve on the Dorsal Aspect of the Foot

Abstract

In this case report, we aim to present our observation of a rare variation on the dorsum of the foot, including the double deep fibular (peroneal) nerve and its connections to superficial nerves. The cutaneous nerves of both feet ' dorsum were examined during a routine dissection on a formalin-fixed adult male cadaver. During the dissection of the dorsum of the right foot, it was observed that the deep fibular nerve (DFN) surfaced at two distinct points by piercing the investing fascia. Then, these two branches converged, and DFN had connections at three different points with the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve (SFN). However, the superficial nerve anatomy of the dorsum of the left foot exhibited the anatomical structure commonly described in classical textbooks. To the best of our knowledge, the variation of double DFN with multiple connections to the SFN has not been previously described in the literature. Understanding the innervation of the dorsum of the foot may be clinically substantial in preventing nerve injuries during surgical interventions. The knowledge regarding rare superficial nerve variations may contribute to the success of anaesthesia applications, especially in the ankle and dorsum of the foot.