Zeitschrift für Trauma und Behandlung

Complete Sciatic Nerve Transection Associated with a Closed Femoral Shaft Fracture

Abstract

Boris A Zelle, Antonio J Webb and Douglas T Cromack

We report a rare case of a 33-year-old female patient who sustained bilateral closed femoral shaft fractures as a result of motor vehicle collision. The left femoral shaft fracture was associated with primary complete sciatic nerve palsy. The patient underwent intramedullary nail fixation of both femoral shaft fractures. Throughout the postoperative course, no functional recovery was observed. Nerve conduction studies and magnetic resonance imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis of a complete transection of the sciatic nerve at the level of the fracture site. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical exploration and nerve grafting resulting in improved nerve function. Reports on complete sciatic nerve transections associated with closed femoral shaft fractures are limited. We document a unique injury and illustrate the patient’s management and outcome.