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Saphenous nerve innervation of the medial ankle

Authors Clendenen SR , Whalen JL

Received 10 January 2013

Accepted for publication 5 February 2013

Published 6 March 2013 Volume 2013:6 Pages 13—16

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/LRA.S42603

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 5



Steven R Clendenen,1 Joseph L Whalen2
1Department of Anesthesiology, 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Background: The distal saphenous nerve is commonly known to provide cutaneous innervation of the medial side of the ankle and distally to the base of the great toe. We hypothesize that the saphenous nerve innervates the periosteum of the medial malleolus and joint capsule.
Methods: Five fresh limbs were dissected and the saphenous nerve was traced distally with magnification. The medial malleolus, talus, and soft tissue were fixed in formaldehyde, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin and sectioned. Histologic slides were then prepared using S100 antibody nerve stains.
Results: Histologic slides were examined and myelinated nerves could be observed within the medial capsule and periosteum in all the specimens.
Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the saphenous nerve innervates the periosteum of the medial malleolus and joint capsule.

Keywords: saphenous nerve, innervation, medial ankle

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