NCT07318987

EFFECT OF SAPHENOUS NERVE RELEASE ON PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

EFFECT OF SAPHENOUS NERVE RELEASE ON PAIN,BALANCE AND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a frequent cause of anterior knee pain in young, physically active individuals, especially females, and is commonly managed with quadriceps and hip-focused exercises. However, the role of neural factors has been largely overlooked. The saphenous nerve, which supplies sensation to the anteromedial knee, may become irritated or entrapped and contribute to pain and neuromuscular dysfunction in PFPS. This study suggests that manual therapy targeting the saphenous nerve could improve pain, function, and balance, providing a more holistic approach to PFPS rehabilitation.

Detailed description

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults, with a higher prevalence among females. It accounts for a significant proportion of knee complaints seen in sports medicine and is especially common in physically active individuals. Traditional rehabilitation for PFPS has mainly focused on quadriceps strengthening and knee mechanics, with more recent attention given to hip-focused exercises. However, the neural contribution to PFPS, particularly involving the saphenous nerve and its infrapatellar branch, has been relatively under-explored. The saphenous nerve is a purely sensory branch of the femoral nerve that supplies the anteromedial knee and lower leg and plays an important role in proprioception. Anatomical variations and its course near the sartorius muscle may predispose it to irritation or entrapment, potentially contributing to chronic anteromedial knee pain. This study proposes that irritation or mechanosensitivity of the saphenous nerve may be a contributing factor in PFPS, leading to pain and impaired neuromuscular control. By incorporating manual therapy targeting the saphenous nerve, the research aims to fill a gap in current PFPS management. Addressing neural factors may enhance pain reduction, functional performance, and balance, offering a more comprehensive and holistic physiotherapy approach for individuals with PFPS. (summarize in short)

Conditions

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Saphenous nerve release	With the patient lying supine and the leg extended, a tender area is identified on the medial side of the thigh, approximately four to five fingerbreadths above the knee. This area corresponds to a longitudinal fascial strip located behind the sartorius muscle. The therapist places the fingers on either side of this strip and applies a gentle separating force in proximal and distal directions to mobilize the tissue and reduce sensitivity.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-10
• Primary completion: 2026-01-10
• Completion: 2026-01-27
• First posted: 2026-01-06
• Last updated: 2026-01-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt