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A clinical case and anatomical study of the innervation supply of the vastus medialis muscle

  • Knee
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

The innervation supply to the vastus medialis (VM) muscle, a component of quadriceps femoris (QF), is provided by a branch of the femoral nerve (FN) running along the muscle. The course of the nerve from lumbar roots to the muscle has been described by many researchers. It is known to ride along the femoral vein, artery and saphenous nerve and enter the adductor canal (Hunter's canal), and then to divide into branches that supply vastus medialis and the knee joint. Femoral mononeuropathy is uncommon, and is usually due to compression in the spinal level. Hematoma in the psoas and iliacus muscles, drug abuse, lithotomy position and limb lengthening are the other associated reasons for a mononeuropathy of the femoral nerve. Isolated vastus lateralis (VL) atrophies have been reported by a few authors, suggesting that compression of the nerve and direct violation of the nerve with injections might be the reason for mononeuropathy. Isolated VM atrophy has not been previously reported. The purpose of the study was to identify the anatomical structures around the FN branch which innervates the VM muscle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2nd Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dr. Muhittin Ülker Emergency Care and Traumatology Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

    H. Özer

  2. Bardacık S. 63/21, K.Esat, 06660, Ankara, Turkey

    H. Özer

  3. Department of Anatomy, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey

    İ. Tekdemir & A. Elhan

  4. Department of Emergency Care, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey

    S. Turanli

  5. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ulleval Hospital, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway

    L. Engebretsen

Authors
  1. H. Özer
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  2. İ. Tekdemir
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  3. A. Elhan
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  4. S. Turanli
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  5. L. Engebretsen
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Correspondence to H. Özer.

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Özer, H., Tekdemir, İ., Elhan, A. et al. A clinical case and anatomical study of the innervation supply of the vastus medialis muscle. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 12, 119–122 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-003-0382-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-003-0382-7

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