Novel Use of Nerve Branch to Sartorius as Donor for Intrapelvic Neurotization of the Sciatic Nerve and Its Contributions Article

Full Text via DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.10.147 Web of Science: 000774367300015

Cited authors

  • Spinelli CP, Iwanaga J, Bui CJ, Dumont AS, Tubbs RS

Abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Sciatic nerve injuries are relatively infrequent but extremely disabling for the patient. As injury to this nerve is relatively infrequent, there is little about its repair in the literature, especially within the pelvis.METHODS: Twelve adult embalmed cadavers (24 sides) underwent exposure of the anteromedial thigh, inguinal region, and pelvic cavity. The sartorius muscle was identified in the anterior thigh, and its nerve branches from the femoral nerve were isolated and traced proximally to the femoral nerve trunk. The isolated sartorius nerve branches were further traced to the pelvic part of the femoral nerve. Next, the lumbosacral plexus was dissected on the posterior aspect of the pelvis so that its constituent parts were seen and followed distally to also visualize the most proximal part of the sciatic nerve. The previously dissected nerve branches to sartorius were then transposed to these constituent parts, and the ability for a tension-free anastomosis between these 2 nerves was evaluated.RESULTS: The branches ranged in diameter from 1.89 to 3.1 mm (2.88 mm). The average length of the nerves was 17.3 cm. Transposition of these branches to all ventral rami of the lumbosacral plexus in the pelvis and proximal sciatic (intrapelvic) nerve was possible on all cadaveric sides.CONCLUSIONS: Our cadaveric study found that nerve branches to the sartorius muscle can be transposed intrapelvically to the lumbosacral plexus and could provide tension-free anastomoses for neurotization procedures in patients with nerve injury.

Publication date

  • 2022

Published in

Category

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1878-8750

Number of pages

  • 6

Start page

  • E148

End page

  • E153

Volume

  • 158