Question
During an open popliteal-to-pedal arterial bypass graft, the CSFA assists in exposing the anterior tibial artery in the lower leg. To access this vessel via an anterolateral approach, which deep fascial compartment must be incised, and what nerve runs in direct contact with this artery that, if damaged, causes complete loss of foot dorsiflexion?
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The anterior compartment of the lower leg; the nerve is the deep peroneal (fibular) nerve . The anterior compartment contains the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and extensor hallucis longus muscles. The deep peroneal nerve runs directly alongside the anterior tibial artery down the interosseous membrane. Injury to this nerve via aggressive retraction or inadvertent transection eliminates the motor signals to the anterior compartment muscles, resulting in permanent foot drop .
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