Anatomic study of infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve in male cadavers

Infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve (IPBSN) is more prone for injuries during various surgical interventions of the knee. The aim of this study was to know the course and branching pattern of the IPBSN and describe its anatomical variations.

To achieve these objectives, we dissected 32 male cadaveric knees. Origin of the nerve was traced in relation with the sartorius muscle; course and terminal branches of the nerve were noted.

In majority of the cases (68.7 %), the nerve was found to emerge near the anterior border of sartorius muscle, distance between the medial margin of the patella and the nerve trunk was ranging between 4 and 7 mm. In majority of the cases (65.6 %), division of the nerve trunk was located between the apex of patella and tibial tuberosity. In majority of the cases, single branch was observed (40.6 %).

By enriching the knowledge of these variable anatomical position of the IPBSN, surgeon can try to minimize the risk of nerve damage by avoiding the high risk zones while performing medial knee incision, blind puncture or an arthrotomy thus avoiding the unwanted complications.