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Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 4/2024

31-01-2024 | Knee Osteoarthritis | Neuropathic Pain (A Abd-Elsayed, Section Editor)

Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve: Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Knee Pain

Authors: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Lukas J. Henjum, Barnabas T. Shiferaw, Peter E. Yassa, Kenneth J. Fiala

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 4/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPS) is an under-investigated nerve that can be a source of chronic knee pain. This literature review aims to deliver an up-to-date review of chronic pain transmitted via the IPS along with therapeutic approaches available for pain refractory to conservative measures.

Recent Findings

Knee pain transmitted via the IPS can arise from several etiologies. Damage to the IPS is often iatrogenic and develops following total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and other knee surgical procedures. Other causes of IPS-derived pain include entrapment of the nerve, neuromas, Schwannomas, and pain from knee osteoarthritis transmitted through the IPS.This article investigated therapeutic approaches to pain derived from the IPS. Common approaches included radiofrequency ablation, neuroma excisions, Schwannoma excision, nerve blocks, surgical exploration, surgical release of an entrapped nerve, cryoablation, and peripheral nerve stimulation. Pain scores, duration of pain relief, adverse events, and secondary outcomes were all included in this review.

Summary

A subset of the patient population experiences chronic pain deriving from the IPS that is refractory to conservative treatment measures. This review aims to evaluate the etiologies and therapeutic approaches for chronic pain arising from the IPS refractory to conservative treatments.
Literature
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go back to reference Abd-Elsayed A, Strand N, Gritsenko K, Martens J, Chakravarthy K, Sayed D, Deer T. Radiofrequency ablation for the knee joint: a survey by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience. J Pain Res. 2022;27(15):1247–55.CrossRef Abd-Elsayed A, Strand N, Gritsenko K, Martens J, Chakravarthy K, Sayed D, Deer T. Radiofrequency ablation for the knee joint: a survey by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience. J Pain Res. 2022;27(15):1247–55.CrossRef
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go back to reference Orhurhu V, Urits I, Grandhi R, Abd-Elsayed A. Systematic review of radiofrequency ablation for management of knee pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019;23(8):55.CrossRefPubMed Orhurhu V, Urits I, Grandhi R, Abd-Elsayed A. Systematic review of radiofrequency ablation for management of knee pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2019;23(8):55.CrossRefPubMed
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go back to reference •• Abd-Elsayed A, Moghim R. Efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation with a high frequency electromagnetic coupled (HF-EMC) powered implanted receiver in treating different pain targets/neuralgias. J Pain Res. 2023;16:589–96. Good study that included about the use of peripheral nerve stimulation for treating chronic knee pain.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral •• Abd-Elsayed A, Moghim R. Efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation with a high frequency electromagnetic coupled (HF-EMC) powered implanted receiver in treating different pain targets/neuralgias. J Pain Res. 2023;16:589–96. Good study that included about the use of peripheral nerve stimulation for treating chronic knee pain.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
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go back to reference •• McLean BC, Nguyen CD, Newman DP. Cryoablation of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve identified by non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulator for the treatment of non-surgical anterior knee pain: a case series and review of the literature. Cureus [Internet]. 2020;12(6):e8747. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32714685. Relevant and complimentary article. •• McLean BC, Nguyen CD, Newman DP. Cryoablation of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve identified by non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulator for the treatment of non-surgical anterior knee pain: a case series and review of the literature. Cureus [Internet]. 2020;12(6):e8747. Available from: http://​www.​ncbi.​nlm.​nih.​gov/​pubmed/​32714685. Relevant and complimentary article.
Metadata
Title
Infrapatellar Branch of the Saphenous Nerve: Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Knee Pain
Authors
Alaa Abd-Elsayed
Lukas J. Henjum
Barnabas T. Shiferaw
Peter E. Yassa
Kenneth J. Fiala
Publication date
31-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-024-01217-7

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