Femoral Nerve Damage

[lindabartlett]

I have moderate denervation mainly rectus femoris and vastus lateralis due to damaged femoral nerve which happened due to the nerve block I was given in surgery. Have been told it won't get better.  What is the prognosis.  I have pain, weakness and loss of some movement.  Can it get worse?  Am I wasting my time trying to strenthen leg muscles?

[Linda_B]

The nerve damage was from receiving a femoral nerve block in 2008 during ACL reconstruction.  I have now been fitted with an SCS implant for pain.  Symtoms I have are shooting, tingling crawling.  For the last few months get a sharp feeling in my goin and at the same time in my foot just below my toes on the top of my foot.  I am unable to straighten my leg/knee fully when weight bearing.  I find stairs difficult as well.  My EMG study showed mild to moderate denervation?  Is denervation nerve signal?  Is that why I have difficulty in some movements.  On the bright side if I walk slowly I don't limp.  I am loosing confidence a bit as I was recently in a busy train station and I had to try and avoid people - this makes me a bit unsteady as my leg doesnt always do what I tell it! .

[Dr Sharma]

Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. Thanks for posting your medical query on this forum. I understand your predicament. You would have undergone EMG  and nerve conduction test. Moderate denervation of rectus femoris and vastus lateralis due to femoral nerve damage, with nerve block being the cause. Treatment includes increasing mobility with supportive therapy. The neurologist/ pain physician could try corticosteroid injection in the area to reduce any inflammation related swelling and improvement in nerve function. Pain medicines for the pain and physical therapy to maintain the muscle strength.  You may also be prescribed splints to assist in walking and occupational therapy. Partially damaged nerves can regenerate over 12-18 months if possible. Reconstructive surgeon opinion should be sought on the possibility of microscopic nerve repair. Wishing you all the best.