An overlooked nerve in neuropathies associated with intragluteal injections: the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) lesions in patients referred to the electrophysiology laboratory with an initial diagnosis of sciatic nerve lesion following injection, and to create awareness that PFCN lesions can occur following intramuscular injections administered to the gluteal region.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who were referred to the electrophysiology laboratory because of injection neuropathy were identified from the hospital records. In addition to the routine electrophysiological examination, PFCN sensory conduction study was performed according to the technique of Dumitru and Nelson. The scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale were recorded for all participants.

Results

Of the 21 participants who agreed to participate in the study, 2 patients were diagnosed with PFCN lesions, one of them had isolated complete PFCN lesion, and another had it accompanied by sciatic nerve lesion. Patients with PFCN lesions had a lower body mass index and a higher HADS score than patients with sciatic nerve lesions (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively)

Conclusions

As correct diagnosis is the priority starting point for successful treatment, clinicians should plan examinations taking into consideration the fact that PFCN lesions can occur following gluteal region injection.

KEYWORDS:

• Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
• injection neuropathy
• sciatic nerve
• neuropathic pain
• electromyography

Acknowledgments

None stated.

Disclosure of financial/other conflicts of interest

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this manuscript.