Saphenous nerve entrapment neuropathy after closed tibial fracture

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.