Prophylactic Infrapatellar Saphenous Neurectomy in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Prophylactic Infrapatellar Saphenous Neurectomy in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Researchers are trying to determine if knee pain can be reduced by proactively protecting the free end of the saphenous nerve versus leaving it in the standard position during total knee arthroplasty.

Subjects scheduled for total knee arthroplasty will be randomized to two arms. One arm will have the standard saphenous nerve neurectomy during their surgery. The other arm will have the same neurectomy procedure with the free end of the nerve tucked into soft tissue to protect the nerve ending.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty candidate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) >40
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Unable to follow up visits (long distance from Mayo Clinic)
• Poor compliance risk
• Health condition deemed by physician to preclude patient's ability to participate in the trial