Which nerve is compressed against the head and neck of the fibula?

The common peroneal nerve, which is the correct answer, is susceptible to compression against the head and neck of the fibula due to its anatomical course. This nerve wraps around the fibula and is relatively superficial, making it vulnerable to external pressure. Such compression can occur from sustained positions or injuries, leading to symptoms like foot drop or loss of sensation in the lateral aspect of the leg and dorsum of the foot.

In contrast, the saphenous nerve branches from the femoral nerve and does not pass near the fibula; it primarily supplies sensation to the medial side of the leg. The lateral sural cutaneous nerve, also not at risk from fibular compression, provides sensation to the skin on the lateral aspect of the leg and does not traverse the head or neck of the fibula. The tibial nerve, which branches from the sciatic nerve, runs posteriorly to the knee and does not come into contact with the fibula at the head and neck. Hence, the common peroneal nerve is the one most impacted by compression in that specific location.