What is the saphenous nerve?

(Saphenous labeled at center right.) The saphenous nerve ( long or internal saphenous nerve) is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve. It is a strictly sensory nerve, and has no motor function. It is purely a sensory nerve. The saphenous nerve is the largest and terminal branch of the femoral nerve.

What are the signs and symptoms of a saphenous nerve block?

Saphenous nerve block: Indications for blocking the nerve include: trauma to the anteromedial aspect of the knee or leg, as far down as the medial malleolus. pain after a partial meniscectomy of the knee. manipulation of an ankle fracture, in conjunction with blockage of other nerves which supply sensation to the ankle region.

What happens to the saphenous nerve after bypass surgery?

The saphenous nerve is also often damaged during vein harvest for bypass surgery and during trocar placement during knee arthroscopy.

Where does the saphenous nerve supply the subcutaneous patella?

At this point the saphenous nerve gives a branch to join the subsartorial plexus. The nerve then descends behind the Sartorius muscle and pierces the fascia lata (it passes between the Sartorius and gracilis muscle), and becomes subcutaneous to supply the skin over the anterior surface of the patella.

Where does the internal saphenous nerve exit the adductor hiatus?

The internal saphenous nerve exits the adductor hiatus just over medial knee, which is a common location for saphenous nerve entrapment. This entrapment is the main mechanism for saphenous nerve neuropathy and likely where a medical professional with perform a saphenous nerve block.

What is the difference between a femoral and saphenous nerve block?

Another closely related method is the femoral nerve block. However, the femoral nerve innervates several muscles in the thigh, and blocking this nerve may result in temporary weakness of those muscles. In contrast, the saphenous nerve block would result in less muscle weakness, while providing similar degree of pain control.