[en] [en] INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine whether ultrasonography allows precise assessment of the course and relations of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve.
METHODS: This work, initially undertaken in 5 cadavers, was followed by high-resolution ultrasonographic study in 10 healthy volunteers. The location and relations of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve to the adjacent anatomical structures were analyzed. The course of the nerve was classified according to its relation to the sartorius muscle as posterior or penetrating.
RESULTS: The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve could be identified consistently along the majority of its course by ultrasonography. Useful landmarks for the detection of the nerve could be defined. Some anatomical variations were noted.
CONCLUSIONS: The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve can be depicted by ultrasonography. Precise mapping of its anatomical course may have significant clinical applications.
Le Corroller, Thomas; Anatomy Department, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, Marseille, France. thomas.lecoroller@ap-hm.fr
Lagier, Aude ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > > Service d'ORL, d'audiophonologie et de chir. cervico-faciale ; Anatomy Department, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, Marseille, France
Pirro, Nicolas; Anatomy Department, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, Marseille, France
Champsaur, Pierre; Anatomy Department, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, Marseille, France ; Radiology Department, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
Language :
English
Title :
Anatomical study of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve using ultrasonography.
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