Lesão do nervo safeno na retirada de 1 ou 2 tendões flexores na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

Autonomic Denervation Dermatitis: A Relatively Undocumented 'ADD'itional Complication of Total Knee Replacements and Other Surgeries Around the Knee

BACKGROUND

Infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve lies subcutaneously and supplies the anterolateral aspect of knee below the patella. It is extremely susceptible to iatrogenic injuries during the surgeries around the knee, mainly total knee replacements (TKRs). Post operatively the patients present with localised area of numbness and in some instances a traumatic eczematous reaction termed autonomous denervation dermatitis (ADD) is witnessed, leading to skin manifestations that range from a simple rash to extensive lesions.

METHODOLOGY

A review of literature was conducted with search of relevant articles from Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus which discussed eczematous skin lesions secondary to total knee replacements. Additionally, we noted studies which described these lesions in other surgeries around the knee like arthroscopies and fracture fixations.

RESULTS

Eight studies including atleast one case after TKR were reviewed. There was only one cohort study while the remaining included case reports and small case series. There were 69 cases of ADD appearing after TKR. The appearance of the skin lesions was lateral to the incision in 30/34 operated knees and on both sides of the incision in four knees after TKRs. Bilateral lesions were seen in only six patients of TKRs. There was no functional limitation caused by these lesions and they resolved either spontaneously or after using topical steroids.

CONCLUSION

ADD is a relatively uncommonly reported complication of TKRs, which can reduce patient satisfaction and increase surgeon apprehension. Although all cases of nerve damage do not manifest as cutaneous lesions, steps to minimise the damage to the nerve intra operatively should be taken. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and should not be dispelled as a simple allergic reaction without adequate investigations. Patients should be counselled to alleviate unnecessary fear and apprehensions.

The Effect of Graft Harvest and Skin Incision Angle on Sensory Disturbance in ACL Reconstruction With Semitendinosus-Gracilis Tendon Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Cadaveric Study

Background:

Injury to the inferior branch of the saphenous nerve (IBSN) and the subsequent loss of skin sensation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are common. The literature suggests that the incision angle may affect the incidence and area of loss of skin sensation.

Purpose:

To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence and area of altered sensory loss on the tibia between vertical (VI) and oblique (OI) incisions for semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft harvest during ACL reconstruction. The cadaveric component was designed to determine whether there is a “safe zone” for incision by identifying the location and number of branches of the IBSN.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients (n = 37) were randomized to receive either VI or OI. Incidence and area of altered skin sensation were documented during at least 1 postoperative visit. In addition, 18 cadaveric knees were dissected.

Results:

The presence or absence of hypoesthesia did not differ between groups postoperatively. Although no statistical differences between groups were seen in the total area of perceived altered skin sensation at 3 (P = .57), 6 (P = .08), 12 (P = .65), and 24 months (P = .27), data demonstrated a trend toward VI participants having a larger area of hypoesthesia at every time point. Among the 18 cadaveric specimens, 4 variations in the distribution of IBSN were noted: 18 (100%) had 1 branch, 14 (78%) had 2 branches, 6 (33%) had 3 branches, and 1 (6%) had 4 branches. No safe zone for incision could be identified.

Conclusion:

No difference was found between a vertical and an oblique incision with respect to incidence or area of sensory loss. Furthermore, it was not possible to identify a safe zone that would prevent transection of all nerves branches of the IBSN based on the cadaveric component of this study.