The Foot & Ankle Complex - Nerves

What are the two main nerves of the lower limb?

The Femoral nerve, the Sciatic nerve

Where does the Femoral nerve exit the spine?

The Femoral nerve exits the spine at L2-L4

Where does the Femoral nerve go after exiting the spine?

Travels anteriorly to the Lumbar Plexus (Anterior Iliac Fossa)

Where does the Femoral nerve go after travelling to the Lumbar Plexus?

Passes between Iliopsoas (Iliacus + Psoas Major)

Where does the Femoral nerve go after passing between Iliopsoas?

Splits into two divisions ≈2cm distal to the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Where does the Femoral nerve division go after splitting at the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)?

Travels distally along the anterior Femur to the halfway point between Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) and Pes Anserine as the Femoral nerve

Where does the Saphenous nerve division go after splitting at Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)?

Travels distally along the anteromedial Femur to the knee and continues as the Saphenous nerve down the anteromedial Tibia

Where does the Sciatic nerve exit the spine?

The Sciatic nerve exits the spine at L4-S3