Complete transection of the sciatic nerve following closed femoral fracture

Abstract

Complete transection of the sciatic nerve following femoral fracture is extremely rare. In the setting of closed injury it has only been reported in two other cases. Here we present a teenage motorcyclist who sustained a closed left, mid-femoral fracture following a road traffic collision with complete transection of the sciatic nerve. Despite being a closed injury, the obvious limb deformity of the patient and extreme pain prompted immediate nerve block during the primary survey making formal neurological assessment difficult. This case highlights the possibility of complete major nerve transection in closed injuries, and the importance of careful clinical examination alongside repeat imaging.