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Updated: May 11, 2026

The Muscle Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for the Amplification of Intact Peripheral Nerve Signals
Published on: January 13, 2022
Saphenous nerve innervation of the medial ankle
Steven R Clendenen1, Joseph L Whalen
1Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Background:
The distal saphenous nerve is commonly known to provide cutaneous innervation of the medial side of the ankle and distally to the base of the great toe. We hypothesize that the saphenous nerve innervates the periosteum of the medial malleolus and joint capsule.
Methods:
Five fresh limbs were dissected and the saphenous nerve was traced distally with magnification. The medial malleolus, talus, and soft tissue were fixed in formaldehyde, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin and sectioned. Histologic slides were then prepared using S100 antibody nerve stains.
Results:
Histologic slides were examined and myelinated nerves could be observed within the medial capsule and periosteum in all the specimens.
Conclusion:
We have demonstrated that the saphenous nerve innervates the periosteum of the medial malleolus and joint capsule.
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