Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/20/2005

Question
I am a PhysioTherapist. I know of someone who underwent routine knee surgery and received a femoral block. Somehow the femoral n. was damaged and has shown NO recovery through EMG testing now for 7 months. What options does this person have for treatment at this point? She has been told there is no research in this area for someone fitting her situation.

Answer
Nerve damage following local anaesthesia is rare but does happen. When it happens to major nerve like the femoral then it is very disabilitating. I am sorry for what happened to your aquaintance.

It would seem possible that the injection was given inside the nerve instead of around it leading to physical damage of the nerve. This would explain the longterm problem.

I am no expert on treatment options as I have never had to deal with this situation before. As it is so rare there will be no research or extensive experience in this area.

However I'm sure some neurologists somewhere will have picked up some experience with it over the years. Can't give you any indications of where though.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.