The significance of tibial and common peroneal nerves in nerve blocks.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomical location of tibial nerve (TN) and common peroneal nerve (CPN) in the popliteal crease for specific nerve block.

METHODS: Fifty fresh specimens from 27 adult Korean cadavers (16 males and 11 females, age 35-87 years) were investigated. Five of the 27 cadavers were used to determine the depths of nerves in cross-section.

RESULTS: Tibial nerve was located 50 % from the most lateral point of the popliteal crease and 1.4-cm deep to the surface. In 20 % of the 50 specimens, the medial sural cutaneous nerve branched out below or at the popliteal crease, whereas the CPN was located at 26 % from the most lateral point of the popliteal crease and 0.7-cm deep from the surface. Furthermore, in 6 % of specimens the lateral sural cutaneous nerve branched out below or at the popliteal crease.

CONCLUSION: The results concerning the location of the TN and CPN at the popliteal crease offer a good guide to optimal nerve block.