Summary of lower limb nerve injuries (dave's notes) Flashcards
Where is the femoral nerve most at risk? Why?
The femoral nerve breaks up shortly after it enters the leg, so is more vulnerable to abdominal wounds then leg wounds.
What is the clinical picture in a complete femoral nerve lesion?
Quadriceps extension will be lost, plus some hip flexion, with anaesthesia over teh front of the thigh. Test for rectus femoris (???)
How may the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve be damaged? What is the clinical presentation?
May be compressed passing from abdomen to thigh. Produces parasthesia over the lateral aspect of the thigh.
How may the obturator nerve be damaged? What is the clinical presentation?
Rarely may be injured from obstetric causes. Loss does not affect walking but impedes crossing of the legs.
When may the sciatic nerve be damaged?
Misplaced gluteal injections, trauma.
What is the result of a sciatic nerve injury?
Paralysis of the hamstrings and all the mucles of the leg and foot. Anastheisa below the knee (but not on teh medial side, which is supplied by the saphenous branch of the femoral nerve).
What is the test for a sciatic nerve injury?
Plantar and dorsiflexion.
When may the common peroneal nerve be injured?
Injury is from pressure or plaster casts over the lateral aspect of the upper fibula
What is the most obvious sign of a common peroneal nerve injury? Where would anaesthesia be felt?
Most obvious sign is a foot drop - the loss of extensor muscles supplied by the deep peroneal branch results in a high stepping gait.
Anasthesia extends over teh lower lateral part of the leg and dorsum of the foot.
How common is tibial nerve damage? What is the clinical presentation? How would you test for this?
Damage is rare. The main effect is paralysis of calf muscles. This may be elicited when testing for standing on tiptoe.
When may the spahenous nerve be injured?
Easily damaged during varicose vein surgery.
