Distribution of the Medial Dorsal Cutaneous and Intermediate Dorsal Cutaneous Nerves in Man

The sensory innervation of the dorsum of the foot is given by the cutaneous branches of the superficial fibular nerve, the medial dorsal cutaneous (MDCn) and intermediate dorsal cutaneous (IDCn) nerves. The aim of this research was to study the divisions of the MDCn and IDCn at the distal third of the leg and dorsum of the foot, to contribute expertise for the surgical approach in the region. Nineteen legs and feet of adult male cadavers, of the Department of Morphology. Universidad de La Frontera in Temuco, were dissected. We divided the dorsum of the foot in anterior, middle and posterior third, then the divisions were observed and patterned. The division of the MDCn and IDCn in medial and lateral branches was observed in the distal third of the leg, 47.4% and 52.6% respectively. The division of the medial branch of the MDCn and IDCn in terminal branches, was observed in the posterior third of the dorsum of the foot (42.2%) and in the distal third of the leg (21.1%), respectively. The division of the lateral branch of the MDCn and IDCn in terminal branches, was observed in the posterior third of the dorsum of the foot (21.1%) and in the anterior third of the dorsum of the foot (15.8%) respectively. The division of the terminal branches of the medial branch of the MDCn and IDCn in dorsal digital nerves was observed in the middle third of the dorsum of the foot at 21.1% and 15.6% respectively. The division of the terminal branches of the lateral branch of the MDCn and IDCn in dorsal digital nerves was observed in the anterior third of the dorsum of the foot at 15.8% for both. These data may serve as a reference during surgical procedures performed in the region, avoiding iatrogenic injuries of the area.