What is the deep fascia of the leg and what does it do?

The deep fascia of the leg is a strong tubular sleeve that wraps around the leg. It adheres to subcutaneous bony areas and fuses with the periosteum, helping to compartmentalize and support the leg structures.

How does the deep fascia divide the leg into compartments?

Two intermuscular septa (anterior and posterior) extend from the deep fascia to the fibula, creating three main compartments: anterior (with anterior tibial vessels and deep peroneal nerve), lateral (with superficial peroneal nerve), and posterior (with posterior tibial and peroneal vessels, and tibial nerve).

What are the extensor retinacula and what is their function?

Extensor retinacula are thickenings of deep fascia near the ankle that form strong fibrous bands. Their primary function is to prevent tendon bowstringing during foot movements.

What are the two extensor retinacula at the anterior ankle?

The anterior ankle has two extensor retinacula: the superior extensor retinaculum (a broad transverse band above the ankle) and the inferior extensor retinaculum (a Y-shaped band over the ankle and foot).

What structures pass deep to the superior extensor retinaculum?

Structures deep to the superior extensor retinaculum include extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and peroneus tertius tendons, as well as the anterior tibial artery and deep peroneal nerve.

How is the tibialis anterior tendon related to the superior extensor retinaculum?

The tibialis anterior tendon passes through a split in the superior extensor retinaculum, enclosed within its own synovial sheath.

What are the attachments of the inferior extensor retinaculum?

The inferior extensor retinaculum attaches to the calcaneus (stem), anterior border of medial malleolus (upper band), and fuses with deep fascia of the sole (lower band).

Deep Fascia of Leg – Compartments & Retinacula

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