483 Complete Sciatic Nerve Transection from A Closed Femoral Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Complete transection of the sciatic nerve following a closed femoral fracture is exceedingly uncommon. Delayed diagnosis may result due to this unrecognised injury pattern. Case Description: An 18-year-old male motorcyclist was referred following a significantly displaced closed, femoral fracture. The patient was sedated at the scene and transferred to theatre for definitive fixation, where an open reduction was performed via an anterior approach. Symptoms of paresthesia and weakness were reported immediately postoperatively, and formal neurological examination prompted an emergency MRI. On this basis, the patient was transferred to plastics and underwent surgical exploration, where complete transection of the sciatic nerve was identified just proximal to the bifurcation into the common peroneal and tibial nerve. A nerve gap of five centimetres was identified requiring reconstruction with grouped fascicular sural nerve grafts. Discussion: Complete transection of the sciatic nerve is a devastating injury that compromises the function of the posterior compartment of the thigh and all motor function below the knee. To our knowledge, reports of complete sciatic nerve transection secondary to a closed fracture of the femoral shaft are extremely rare in the pertinent literature, with only two other cases reported to date.