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Sural Nerve

nervus suralis

The sural nerve is formed by the union of medial sural cutaneous (from tibial nerve) and lateral sural cutaneous (from common peroneal nerve) branches in the mid-calf. As a purely sensory nerve running subcutaneously along the lateral calf and foot, it is an easily accessible donor nerve for sural nerve grafting in peripheral nerve reconstruction. Its lateral ankle position makes it vulnerable during lateral ankle surgery and calcaneal fracture fixation.

Region: Lower Leg

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve contributions joining in the mid-calf

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Sural nerve injury during lateral ankle surgery, peroneal tendon repair, or calcaneal fracture fixation produces lateral foot numbness that is typically mild but occasionally produces painful neuroma formation requiring excision. The sural nerve is the most commonly used nerve graft donor site in peripheral nerve reconstruction because it is accessible, expendable, and provides 30 to 40 centimetres of cable graft.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Sural Nerve Injury

Lateral foot numbness from iatrogenic nerve division during lateral ankle or calcaneal surgery, usually well-tolerated but occasionally complicated by painful neuroma formation.