Purpose: To investigate variations in the branching patterns of the super cial bular nerve (SFN) in regard to the deep fascia of the leg and to the ankle joint level.Methods: A broad literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases on October 14 th , 2021. PRISMA guidelines have been followed throughout this review. Articles with data on SFN variations prevalence were included. The data were extracted and pooled into a metaanalysis. The authors also dissected a total of 64 formalin-xed Brazilian fetuses (n = 124 lower limbs).Results: Twenty-ve studies (n = 1272 lower limbs) comprised this review. Concerning the SFN branching at the deep fascia, type 1 variation (the SFN pierces the fascia as a single nerve trunk) had a pooled prevalence of 86.4% (95% CI 84.5-88.2), while type 2 had a pooled prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.8-15.5). At the ankle joint level, type 2 variation (the SFN splits in its terminal branches after cross the joint) was the most common pattern, with a pooled prevalence of 78.7% (95% CI 74.5-82.7). Conclusion:In the most prevalent anatomical pattern, the SFN branching between its exit site from the deep fascia and the level of the ankle joint. These variants have great clinical signi cance.

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Purpose: To investigate variations in the branching patterns of the superficial fibular nerve (SFN) in regard to the deep fascia of the leg and to the ankle joint level.Methods: A broad literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases on October 14th, 2021. PRISMA guidelines have been followed throughout this review. Articles with data on SFN variations prevalence were included. The data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis. The authors also dissected a total of 64 formalin-fixed Brazilian fetuses (n = 124 lower limbs).Results: Twenty-five studies (n = 1272 lower limbs) comprised this review. Concerning the SFN branching at the deep fascia, type 1 variation (the SFN pierces the fascia as a single nerve trunk) had a pooled prevalence of 86.4% (95% CI 84.5-88.2), while type 2 had a pooled prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.8-15.5). At the ankle joint level, type 2 variation (the SFN splits in its terminal branches after cross the joint) was the most common pattern, with a pooled prevalence of 78.7% (95% CI 74.5-82.7).Conclusion: In the most prevalent anatomical pattern, the SFN branching between its exit site from the deep fascia and the level of the ankle joint. These variants have great clinical significance.