The combined treatment of entrapped Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve after ACL reconstruction: Ultrasound-guided perineural injection and acupotomy

BACKGROUND: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) under the arthroscopy is a widespread procedure for ACL rupture, which could stabilize knee and promote recovery. However, one of its complications is the injury of infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve (IBSN). In traditional Chinese medicine, acupotomy functions via releasing and stripping adhesion tissues. Accordingly, acupotomy is suitable for the treatment of entrapped nerve injury and tissues adhesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 14-year-old man, who had ACLR before and returned to normal activity, presented with severe pain after a mild strain two weeks ago. The physical and imaging examinations revealed the compression injury of IBSN. METHODS: We provided the ultrasound-guided perineural injection of 0.4% lidocaine, while it only alleviates the symptoms temporally and partially. Acupotomy using a small needle knife (0.4*40 mm) was performed. RESULTS: The severe pain was immediately resolved. The visual analog pain scale (VAS) decreased from 10 to 1 and return to normal walking. The diameter of IBSN became smaller and the signal of peripheral soft tissue became hypoechoic in ultrasound. CONCLUSION : In this case, the combined treatments of ultrasound-guided perineural injection and acupotomy are thought to be innovative procedures for IBSN entrapment with relative long-lasting therapeutic effects.

Management of chronic knee pain caused by postsurgical or posttraumatic neuroma of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve

Purpose Injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) is a relatively common complication after knee surgery, which can interfere with patient satisfaction and functional outcome. In some cases, injury to the IBSN can lead to formation of a painful neuroma. The purpose of this study was to report the results of surgical treatment in a series of patients with IBSN painful neuroma. Methods We retrospectively identified 37 patients who underwent resection of IBSN painful neuroma at our institution, after failure of non-operative treatment for a minimum of 6 months. Injury to the IBSN resulted from prior orthopedic surgery, vascular surgery, tumor resection, trauma, or infection. Leg pain and health-related quality of life were measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, respectively. Clinically meaningful improvement in leg pain was defined as reduction in NRS by at least 3 points. Predictors of favorable and unfavorable surgical outcome were investigated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Patient-reported leg pain, health-related quality of life, and overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome were obtained at 94 ± 52.9 months after neuroma surgery. Postoperative patient-reported outcomes were available for 25 patients (68% of the cohort), of whom 20 patients (80.0%) reported improvement in leg pain, 17 patients (68.0%) reported clinically meaningful improvement in leg pain, and 17 patients (68%) reported improvement in health-related quality of life. The average NRS pain score improved from 9.43 ± 1.34 to 5.12 ± 3.33 (p < 0.01) and the average EQ-5D functional score improved from 10.48 ± 2.33 to 7.84 ± 2.19 (p < 0.01). Overall patient reported satisfaction with the surgical outcome was good to excellent for 18 patients (72.0%). Older age, multiple prior orthopedic knee surgeries, and failed prior attempts to resect an IBSN neuroma were associated with non-favorable surgical outcome. Conclusion We conclude that surgical intervention is efficacious for appropriately selected patients suffering from IBSN painful neuroma.

Nonoperative treatment of recalcitrant neuritis of the infrapatellar saphenous nerve: a case series

Background Neuritis of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve can result from iatrogenic injury, entrapment, bursitis, or patellar dislocation. Currently, there is an unmet clinical need for treating refractory neuritis nonsurgically. Case presentation Three patients presented with persistent anterior knee pain caused by neuritis of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve that had got excellent but only temporary relief from steroid and local anesthetic nerve block. The neuropathic pain diagnostic Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire and painDETECT questionnaire confirmed presence of neuropathic pain. After injection with 25 mg amniotic and umbilical cord particulate, the patient’s pain decreased from 7.3 before injection to 0.3 at 6 weeks postinjection. In addition, neuropathic symptoms significantly improved at 2 weeks and were not present by 6 weeks. By 63 weeks, two of the patients reported continued complete pain relief, while one patient underwent total knee replacement due to an allergy of a previously implanted unicondylar implant. Conclusions This case series suggests that amniotic and umbilical cord particulate may be a viable alternative to reduce pain in patients with neuropathic pain.

Management of Chronic Knee Pain Caused by Postsurgical or Post-traumatic Neuroma of the Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve.

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.

Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve Injury: Implications for the Physical Therapist

Injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) is an underreported condition which has important implications for the physical therapist. Due to its location, the IBSN is especially vulnerable to damage following surgery, but it may also be injured through trauma or unknown causes. Patients with suspected IBSN injury may present with a variety of symptoms, including pain along the nerve distribution, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, anesthesia, and impaired functional activities and mobility. As the presence of IBSN injury may not be readily apparent, it is incumbent upon the physical therapist to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with this condition, and to administer a detailed clinical examination. Clinical evaluation can be difficult, as IBSN injury mimics many other conditions of the knee. Additionally, saphenous nerve anatomy exhibits wide variance, even within individuals, making diagnosis challenging. Upon suspicion of IBSN injury, the physical therapist should refer the patient for a comprehensive medical exam, which may include nerve blocks, nerve conduction studies, MRI, CT scan, or exploratory surgery. Most patients respond well to surgical intervention, including neurolysis or neurectomy, though conservative treatment options exist. These include nerve blocks or pharmacologic interventions. Physical therapy treatment is not well reported and may only be appropriate for specific etiologies of injury.

Validation of a new protocol for ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation with accurate anatomical targets: cadaveric study

IntroductionUltrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of genicular nerves (GNs) is increasingly performed to manage chronic knee pain. The anatomical foundations supporting the choice of original targets for US-guided GN-RFA have been thoroughly improved by recent anatomical studies. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a new protocol with revised anatomical targets for US-guided GN-RFA and to assess their accuracy in a cadaveric model.Materials and methodsFourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used. After a pilot study with 4 knees, five consistent nerves were targeted in the other 10 knees with revised anatomical landmarks: superior medial genicular nerve (SMGN), superior lateral genicular nerve (SLGN), inferior medial genicular nerve (IMGN), recurrent fibular nerve (RFN) and the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN). For each nerve, the lumen of radiofrequency (RF) cannula was prefilled with non-diffusible black paint, and then the cannula was inserted at the target site under US guidance. After US verification of correct placement, the stylet was introduced in the cannula to create a limited black mark on the tissues at the top of the active tip. Anatomical dissection was performed to assess for accuracy.ResultsThe proportion of nerves directly found in contact with the black mark was 7/10, 8/10, 10/10 and 9/10 for the SMGN, SLGN, IMGN and RFN, respectively. The proportions of nerve captured by the theoretical largest monopolar RF lesions were 100% for the SMGN, IMGN and RFN, and IPBSN and 95% for SLGN. The mean distances from the center of the black mark to the targeted nerve were 2.1±2.2 mm, 1.0±1.4 mm, 0.75±1.1 mm and 2.4±4.5 mm for the SMGN, SLGN, IMGN and RFN, respectively.ConclusionUS-guided GN-RFA with revised anatomical targets resulted in accurate capture of the five targeted nerves. This protocol provides precise sensory denervation of a larger panel of nerves, targeting those whose constancy regarding anatomical location has been clearly demonstrated. It is expected to improve the clinical outcomes.