Clinical Application of Saphenous Nerve Transfer for Sensory Reconstruction of the Sole After Sciatic Nerve Injury: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Sole sensation is essential for standing and walking. Moreover, lack of protective sensation of sole increases the risk of fall-related injuries. In the light of recent developments in nerve transfer, reconstruction of sole sensation can be achieved even in sciatic nerve injuries. Few researchers have addressed the problem of lack of potential donor nerve in proximal sciatic nerve injuries. The saphenous nerve has sufficient sensory fibers and is anatomically feasible to be used as a donor nerve to reconstruct sensation. OBJECTIVE: To outline a new approach to restore the sensation of the sole using terminal branches of the saphenous nerve. METHODS: In an attempt to restore sole sensation, 4 patients underwent saphenous nerve transfer to medial plantar and calcaneal branches. Highet-Zachary system scoring was used to evaluate sensory recovery in target regions (heel, metatarsal heads, and big toe). RESULTS: Of the study population, heel sensation recovered up to S3 in 1 case, S2 in 2 cases, and S1 in 1 case. Partial recovery of the metatarsal heads and the big toe was achieved in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the saphenous nerve is a suitable and available donor to restore sole sensation in sciatic or posterior tibial nerve injuries.