Saphenous Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy After Closed Tibial Fracture: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Apr 9;11(2). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.20.00670.

Abstract

Case: A 43-year-old man who underwent intramedullary nailing for a closed tibial fracture developed saphenous nerve entrapment neuropathy. He developed severe medial leg pain, which was worse on walking or standing, 2 years postoperatively. Surgical neurolysis resulted in complete pain relief and functional recovery of the limb without recurrence of symptoms.

Conclusion: Clinicians should consider several etiologies in the diagnostic evaluation of a patient with chronic pain after limb trauma. If a patient complains of lower extremity pain after intramedullary fixation of closed fractures of the tibial shaft, the possibility of saphenous nerve entrapment neuropathy should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary* / adverse effects
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary* / methods
  • Fractures, Closed* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes* / etiology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes* / surgery
  • Recovery of Function
  • Tibial Fractures* / complications
  • Tibial Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures* / surgery