Foot drop in a patient following a fibular neck fracture results from injury to which nerve?

• A Common peroneal (fibular) nerve ✓
• B Tibial nerve
• C Superficial peroneal nerve
• D Sural nerve

Explanation

The common peroneal nerve winds around the neck of the fibula just below the head, making it superficial and vulnerable to fractures or pressure at this site. Its injury paralyzes all muscles of the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg (dorsiflexors and evertors), producing foot drop (inability to dorsiflex) and loss of sensation over the dorsum of the foot and lateral leg. The tibial nerve supplies the posterior compartment and plantarflexors.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.