Entrapment Neuropathy of the Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve

Objective To study the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of the entrapment neuropathy of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. Methods Anatomical study was done on both sides of 10 embalmed cadavers,the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve were carefully dissected and observed. Eight cases with the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve entrapment were treated and followed up. Results 30% infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve come from femoral nerve beyond the Hunter′s tunne l.30% infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve come from saphenous nerve in the Hunter′s tunnel and traverse the anterior cliff. 80% infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve run across sartorious muscle where was surrounded by tendinous tissue. At the medial and anterior side of knee joint, infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve was attached to deep fascia. Of all the eight patients, seven was treated by local block,one was treated by operation, all received good results. Conclusion There were a lot of structures that may cause the compression of infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. local block is a good treatment which can receive preferably result.