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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27(02): 136-152
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761956
Review Article

Imaging of Anatomical Variants of the Lower Limb Nerves: Clinical and Preoperative Relevance

Sarah Honold
1   Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Hanne-Rose Honis
2   Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Hannes Gruber
1   Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Marko Konschake
2   Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Bernhard Moriggl
2   Institute of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Alexander Loizides
1   Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Abstract

Anatomical variants of peripheral nerves of the lower limb are relatively frequent and vulnerable to injury if not considered by the surgeon. Surgical procedures or percutaneous injections are often performed without knowing the anatomical situation. In a patient with normal anatomy, these procedures are mostly performed smoothly without major nerve complications. But in the case of anatomical variants, surgery may be challenging as “new” anatomical prerequisites complicate the procedure. In this context, high-resolution ultrasonography as the first-line imaging modality to depict peripheral nerves, has become a helpful adjunct in the preoperative setting. It is crucial, on the one hand, to gain knowledge of anatomical nerve variants and, on the other hand, to depict the anatomical situation preoperatively, to minimize the risk of surgical trauma to a nerve and make surgeries safer.

Keywords

peripheral nerves - lower limb - anatomical variants - nerve injury


Publication History

Article published online:
03 April 2023

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