In an anterior iliac crest graft harvest, which nerve injury is associated with increased morbidity?

In an anterior iliac crest graft harvest, which nerve injury is associated with increased morbidity?

• A. Femoral nerve injury
• B. Sciatic nerve injury
• C. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury
• D. Ilioinguinal nerve injury

Answer: (C)

In the context of an anterior iliac crest graft harvest, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury is associated with increased morbidity due to its function and the specific sensations it conveys. This nerve innervates the skin over the lateral aspect of the thigh, and injury to it can lead to altered sensation, including numbness or tingling in that area, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and functional mobility. While other nerves might also be at risk during the procedure, the symptoms associated with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury are particularly bothersome for patients, leading to conditions like meralgia paresthetica. This condition can manifest as pain or discomfort, making activities such as sitting or walking more difficult, and it often requires additional management or treatment. In contrast, injuries to other indicated nerves—while they can also have implications—do not typically result in as significant a change in function or quality of life. For instance, femoral nerve injury may impact muscle strength in the quadriceps, but patients may still mobilize with assistance. Sciatic nerve injury can have serious functional consequences, but its injury is less common in this context. Ilioinguinal nerve injury predominantly affects sensation in the groin region, which can be less impactful

In the context of an anterior iliac crest graft harvest, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury is associated with increased morbidity due to its function and the specific sensations it conveys. This nerve innervates the skin over the lateral aspect of the thigh, and injury to it can lead to altered sensation, including numbness or tingling in that area, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and functional mobility.

While other nerves might also be at risk during the procedure, the symptoms associated with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury are particularly bothersome for patients, leading to conditions like meralgia paresthetica. This condition can manifest as pain or discomfort, making activities such as sitting or walking more difficult, and it often requires additional management or treatment.

In contrast, injuries to other indicated nerves—while they can also have implications—do not typically result in as significant a change in function or quality of life. For instance, femoral nerve injury may impact muscle strength in the quadriceps, but patients may still mobilize with assistance. Sciatic nerve injury can have serious functional consequences, but its injury is less common in this context. Ilioinguinal nerve injury predominantly affects sensation in the groin region, which can be less impactful