Neuroma of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve: surgical treatment technique and outcome

Abstract

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) is susceptible to injury during common knee procedures, occasionally leading to the development of painful neuromas which are refractory to conservative management strategies.

As a result, surgical resection has emerged as a viable treatment option for patients with persistent symptoms, and this study aims to assess the efficacy of IPBSN neuroma resection in terms of pain alleviation, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction.

A retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients who underwent IPBSN neuroma resection between 2017 and 2023. Pre- and postoperative VAS scores were collected and patients were surveyed on pain relief, functional outcomes, and satisfaction of the surgery.

The average VAS score for medial pain decreased from 6.5 ± 2.2 to 3.8 ± 2.8, and for anteromedial pain from 6.1 ± 2.6 to 3.1 ± 2.8. Overall, the majority of patients rated the outcome of the surgery positively with 73% reporting significant pain relief and 58% experiencing functional improvement postoperatively.

Surgical resection of IPBSN neuromas is a viable treatment option for patients with chronic anteromedial knee pain after previous surgeries, resulting in significant pain relief and functional improvements in a majority of challenging cases.