Abstract
Purpose: Injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) is a relatively common complication after knee surgery that can interfere with patient satisfaction and functional outcome. In some cases, trauma to this nerve can lead to the formation of a painful neuroma. The purpose of this study is to report the results of surgical treatment in a series of patients with IBSN painful neuroma.Methods: A retrospective review was made of 37 patients undergoing resection of IBSN neuroma at our institution, after failure of non-operative treatment for a minimum of 6 months.Results: Following surgery, 80% of the patients experienced statistically and clinically significant improvement in pain levels. The average NRS Pain score improved from 9.43±1.34 to 5.12±3.33 (p<0.001). The EQ-5D functional score improved from 10.48±2.33 to 7.84±2.19. Overall patient reported satisfaction from the surgical results was good to excellent in 72% of patients. Non-favorable prognosis was found to correlate with older age, multiple prior orthopedic surgeries at the knee area and failed prior attempts to resect an IBSN neuroma. Conclusion: We conclude that in patients suffering from IBSN painful neuroma, surgical resection results in a favorable prognosis.
Correction to: Management of chronic knee pain caused by postsurgical or posttraumatic neuroma of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve
