Variation in the Mode of Origin and Level of formation of Sural Nerve

Variations of nerve are not only of anatomic and embryological interest but also of clinical importance. Their adequate knowledge will help in increasing surgical precision and decreasing morbidity. In present study variations in mode of origin and level of formation of sural nerve was studied. The material for the present study comprised of 60 lower extremities belonging to 30 adult human cadavers obtained from Deptt. of Anatomy, GMC, Amritsar. The sural nerve was identified and its mode of origin and level of formation was studied. In present study, sural nerve was formed by union of medial sural nerve (from tibial nerve or from nerve to medial head of gastrocnemius) and lateral sural nerve (from common peroneal nerve) in 83.33% limbs. It was formed by medial sural nerve alone in 15% limbs. In 1.67% medial and lateral sural nerve were separate. The site of formation was in middle 1/3rd of leg in 20% limbs and distal 1/3rd of leg in 80% limbs.

The sural nerve is usually used as grafting material. So these described variations are helpful for planning operative approaches that minimise risk of sural nerve injury. Moreover the anatomic course of nerve in distal leg and ankle makes it susceptible to local trauma and also to increased risk of injury during surgical intervention at ankle.