The distal course of the sural nerve and its significance for incisions around the lateral hindfoot.

Twenty preserved cadaver limbs were dissected to show the distal course of the sural nerve and the number and site of origin of its branches. The mean position of the main nerve trunk was calculated at various points related to bony landmarks of the fibula and the fifth metatarsal base. Ninety-five percent confidence limits for the course of the main nerve trunk could be described. A fibula incision may damage the nerve if it extends more than 7 mm inferior to the lateral malleolar tip with the foot in equinus. Dorsolateral foot incisions may damage both the main trunk and the major anterior branch.