Question

A patient underwent surgery for the varicose vein. He now complains of sensory loss over the medial aspect of the leg and foot. Which of the following nerves is most likely to be injured? 

• A. Sural nerve
• B. Superficial peroneal nerve
• C. Deep peroneal nerve
• D. Saphenous nerve

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The sensory loss over the medial aspect of the leg and foot is typically associated with injury to the saphenous nerve. Understanding the anatomy of the leg helps in identifying the correct nerve involved. The saphenous nerve is a branch of the femoral nerve that primarily supplies sensation to the medial side of the leg and foot. Here's how to determine the correct answer:

1. Identify the area of sensory loss: Medial aspect of the leg and foot.
2. Match the area with nerve supply:
   • Saphenous nerve: Supplies the medial aspect of the leg and foot.
   • Sural nerve: Supplies the posterior and lateral aspect of the leg.
   • Superficial peroneal nerve: Supplies the lateral aspect of the leg and dorsum of the foot.
   • Deep peroneal nerve: Supplies the web space between the first and second toe.
3. Conclude which nerve, if injured, would lead to the described sensory loss:
   The saphenous nerve corresponds to the area of sensory loss described, aligning with the patient's symptoms.

Thus, the saphenous nerve is the most likely to be injured in this case.