Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
06:26
Stereo-Imaging System DLT Calibration to Capture 3D In Situ Displacements of Stretched Peripheral Nerves
Published on: January 12, 2024
801
The Effect of Lithotomy Position on Nerve Stretch: A Cadaveric Study
Nicolette E Deveneau1, Courtney Forbis, Lioudmilla Lipetskaia
1From the *Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, and †Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Hip extension in the lithotomy position significantly stretches the femoral nerve. Surgeons should consider hip extension to avoid nerve stretch during surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Surgical positioning
Background:
- The lithotomy position is common in various surgical procedures.
- Nerve stretch injuries can occur during surgery due to patient positioning.
- The femoral nerve is vulnerable to stretch in the lithotomy position.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for measuring nerve stretch in cadavers.
- To quantify femoral nerve stretch in the lithotomy position with varying hip flexion and extension.
Main Methods:
- A cadaveric observational study was performed on 6 subjects.
- Femoral nerves were dissected and imaged in supine and lithotomy positions (flexion/extension).
- Nerve length changes were calculated using digital image analysis.
Main Results:
- A method to measure nerve stretch using photo-editing software was established.
- Hip extension (10-20 degrees) resulted in a mean femoral nerve stretch of 10.35%.
- Other positions generally showed decreased nerve length; no significant relation between extension degree and stretch was found.
Conclusions:
- Hip extension between 10 and 20 degrees consistently stretches the femoral nerve by over 5%.
- Potential for femoral nerve stretch must be considered during patient positioning in lithotomy.
- Avoiding excessive hip extension may help prevent femoral nerve injury in lithotomy procedures.
