Mnemonic

Sural Nerve - The Biopsy Nerve

A memory aid for the formation and use of the sural nerve.

Expansion

Formed by branches of the tibial and common fibular nerves, supplying the posterolateral leg and lateral foot

Expansion

  • Formed by - the medial sural cutaneous branch of the tibial nerve joined by a communicating branch from the common fibular nerve
  • Supplies - sensation over the posterolateral leg and the lateral side of the foot and little toe
  • Runs with - the small saphenous vein, behind the lateral malleolus

Its sensory-only nature makes it ideal to sample or harvest with minimal deficit.