The lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve is the continuation/terminal sensory branch of the sural nerve, and is ultimately derived from the 1st sacral nerve (S1). It passes distally along the lateral part of the dorsum of foot. It gives rise to the lateral dorsal digital nerve of the 5th toe, and sometimes also the medial dorsal digital nerve of the 5th toe as well as the lateral dorsal digital nerve of the 4th toe (thus replacing branches of the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve ).

Anatomy

Origin

The sural branch becomes the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve as it winds around /underneath the lateral malleolus.

Anastomoses

It anastomoses with the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve.

Clinical significance

The course of this nerve influences the surgical approach to fixation of fractures of the fifth metatarsal, as the most direct surgical approach is at risk of damaging it.

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