Which nerves are at risk of injury during a lateral lower leg fasciotomy?

The correct choice is the superficial peroneal nerve, which carries sensory and motor functions to the muscles of the lower leg and dorsal foot. During a lateral lower leg fasciotomy, this nerve is particularly at risk due to its anatomical location, running just beneath the fascia in the lateral compartment of the leg. The procedure involves making incisions through layers of tissue, which can inadvertently damage nearby structures, including the superficial peroneal nerve.

Injuries to this nerve can lead to weakness in foot everting and sensory deficits over the dorsum of the foot and parts of the anterolateral leg. Understanding the anatomical pathway of the superficial peroneal nerve is crucial for surgical assistants to avoid complications during lower leg surgeries, including fasciotomies.

Other nerves, such as the deep peroneal nerve, tibial nerve, and sural nerve, have different anatomical positions and functions, making them less susceptible to injury during a lateral approach in this specific surgical procedure. This anatomical knowledge underscores the importance of careful surgical technique and awareness of the neuroanatomy involved when performing a fasciotomy in the lateral lower leg.