Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to study the course of the infra-patellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) and describe its anatomical variations and relations.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight formalin-fixed cadaver lower extremity specimens were methodically dissected in the University Department of Anatomy. Dissection included identifying the saphenous nerve and tracing it distally till it pierced the deep fascia between the tendons of gracilis and sartorius. At this point, the saphenous nerve gave a branch that pierced the sartorius and became subcutaneous, known as the infrapatellar branch. The association of the nerve trunk with the sartorius muscle in terms of whether it originated above it, below it or pierced through it was studied. Following this the nerve was dissected along its course distally to the point of its termination where it gave one to three branches. The relationship of the point of termination of the IPBSN with bony surface landmarks like the medial border of the patella, the apex of the patella and the tibial tuberosity were also studied. The distance of the trunk from medial margin of patella was measured.
Conclusions: The anatomy of the IPBSN along with its branches is quite variable and a thorough knowledge of the same is essential to any knee surgeon to avoid injury to this structure.
Correspondence should be addressed to: BASK c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
