Peroneal Muscle Compartment Fascia

fascia compartimenti peronaeorum

The peroneal compartment fascia is the specific fascial envelope of the lateral compartment of the leg, formed by the crural fascia laterally and the anterior and posterior intermuscular septa. It encases the peroneus longus and brevis muscles and the superficial peroneal nerve.

Region: Lower Leg

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Defines and contains the lateral (peroneal) compartment, becoming the critical structure in lateral compartment syndrome where its inelasticity causes nerve compression.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The peroneal compartment fascia is the structure released in lateral fasciotomy and in surgical treatment of superficial peroneal nerve entrapment at the fascial exit point. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lateral compartment involves reproducible pressure elevation within this fascia during exercise. The fascial exit point of the superficial peroneal nerve is a consistent landmark 10-12 cm above the lateral malleolus.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Superficial Peroneal Nerve Fascial Entrapment

Nerve entrapment at the point where the superficial peroneal nerve pierces the peroneal compartment fascia, producing lateral leg pain and dorsal foot numbness with exertion, treated by fascial release at the exit point.