Ultrasound imaging of the femoral and saphenous nerves

Introduction: Iatrogenic and traumatic injuries to the femoral and saphenous nerves, and their branches are uncommon but can be a cause of clinically pertinent lower limb dysfunction and neuralgia. Despite this, direct sonographic imaging of these nerves is not commonly requested or performed.

Methods: A review of the literature regarding the detailed relative anatomy, sonographic technique to image these nerves and their branches and their normal and abnormal appearances was conducted.

Discussion: These nerves are often in the direct imaging field of many ultrasound examinations including the assessment of the groin and lower limb vasculature and musculoskeletal studies. They can become entrapped at certain points throughout their path, where particular attention should be provided to these nerves.

Conclusion: Improved knowledge regarding the sonographic imaging of the femoral and saphenous nerves and their branches can assist identification and discrimination between normal and abnormal appearances, and subsequent ultrasound-guided nerve blockades or radiofrequency ablations for pain management where required.