Anatomical basis for ultrasound-guided infiltration of the saphenous nerve in the subsartorial canal

Abstract

The present work is aimed studying the visibility and position of the vasto-adductor membrane with ultrasonography and demonstrating that injection performed under this membrane allows to infiltrate the saphenous nerve. It was analyzed with ultrasonography in four cadaveric subjects and in 13 volunteers. This membrane was clearly visible and methylene blue was located underneath it after injection in all cadaveric subjects. This study demonstrates that it can be used as a reliable anatomic landmark when performing an injection for both regional anesthesia and in the treatment of saphenous nerve tunnel syndrome.

Keywords: Regional anesthesia; Saphenous nerve; Subsartorial canal; Ultrasound-guided infiltration; Vasto-adductor membrane.