Anatomical variation of the saphenous nerve path : a case report.

Abstract

Introduction. — The saphenous nerve has great importance on the sensitivity of the lower limb. In its normal course, it enters the adductor canal and travels under the sartorius muscle, on the medial side of the thigh. Methods. — The anatomical variation was found accidentally during routine cadaveric dissection of the thigh at the Human Anatomy Laboratory of the Department of Morphophysiology of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais (FCMMG). Results. — A different pattern of path of the saphenous nerve was found, which appears to perforate the sartorius muscle. Discussion. — Complaints of pain in the lower limbs are highly prevalent in the adult population. Saphenous neuropathy is a pathological entity that is associated with such a clinic and may have compression or trauma as its etiology. In the context of compression, it can be caused due to the unusual nerve path, as described in the present study. In trauma, knowledge of this variation is important to prevent iatrogenic damage to nervous tissue during surgical procedures. Conclusion. — The anatomic variation presented may be related to the symptom of pain in the lower limbs and is also relevant in the surgical context, in order to prevent complications.