J Reconstr Microsurg 2004; 20(1): 21-23
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-818045
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA

Obturator Nerve Injury Associated with Femur Fracture Fixation Detected During Gracilis Muscle Harvesting for Functioning Free Muscle Transfer

Yasunori Hattori1 , Kazuteru Doi1 , Yuji Saeki1 , Emmanuel P. Estrella1 , Keisuke Ikeda2
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ogori Daiichi General Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

accepted: August 5, 2003

Publication Date:
18 February 2004 (online)

A rare case is reported in which injury of the motor nerve of the gracilis (obturator nerve) was detected during its harvesting for functioning free muscle transfer. The probable cause of this rare injury was considered to be accidental penetration while drilling for a proximal locking screw in intramedullary nailing during previous femur fracture surgery.

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Yasunori HattoriM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ogori Daiichi General Hospital

Shimogo, 862-3

Ogori, Yoshikigun, Yamaguchi, Japan 754-0002