Final answer:
In lateral ankle operations, the superficial peroneal nerve and the sural nerve are most at risk. They provide sensation and motor functions to areas of the foot and are close to the surgical site, making them vulnerable to injury during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nerves at Risk During Lateral Ankle Surgery
During a lateral ankle operation, the two nerves most at risk are the superficial peroneal nerve and the sural nerve. The superficial peroneal nerve is responsible for the sensation on the top of the foot and the motor function to the peroneus longus and brevis muscles, which evert the foot. The sural nerve provides sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the foot.
These nerves are at risk because they run in close proximity to the lateral aspect of the ankle, which is the site of the surgical intervention. Injury to these nerves can result in loss of sensation, pain, or weakness that affects foot function. Careful surgical technique is required to avoid damaging these structures.