Which sign is characteristic of deep peroneal nerve injury?

• A. Loss of sensation on the sole of the foot
• B. Claudication in the posterior calf
• C. Loss of sensation between first and second toes with dorsiflexion weakness
• D. Weak plantarflexion

Answer: (C)

Deep peroneal nerve injury classically presents with both sensory loss in the small area between the first and second toes and weakness of dorsiflexion, because this nerve supplies the muscles that lift the foot (anterior compartment) and provides sensation to that web space. The web-space sensation is a distinctive clue for this nerve. Loss of sensation on the sole points to the tibial/plantar nerves, not the deep peroneal. Claudication in the posterior calf suggests vascular or posterior compartment issues rather than a specific nerve injury. Weak plantarflexion involves the tibial nerve’s innervation of the gastrocnemius and soleus. So the combination described—loss of sensation between the first and second toes with dorsiflexion weakness—best fits a deep peroneal nerve injury.