Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomic basis for clinical application of the obturator nerve and/or genitofemoral nerve transfering to repair the lumbosacral plexus nerves avulsion injuries.　Methods　The length, cross diameter, longitudinal diameter, cross-sectional area and the amount of myelinated nerve fibers of obturator nerve, genitofemoral nerve, femoral nerve, lumbosacral plexus and sacral plexus on both sides of 6 adult cadaveric specimens were exposed and measured respectively.　Results　The right proximal obturator nerve could be transfered to the left distal femoral nerve through anterior surface of vertebrae and posterior surface of the peritoneum, with the overlap of fiber terminals about 2~3 cm. The right obturator nerve and genitofemoral nerve could be transfered to ipsilateral S1 and S2 nerve root with the overlap of 2~4 cm respectively. The fiber number of the obturator nerve (4400~7800) was about 1/3 of the femoral nerve (13000~20000). The fiber number of genitofemoral nerve (3000~4500) was about 1/2 of the S2 nerve (4500~8500). The fiber number of obturator nerve (4400~7800) was roughly equal to that of the S1 nerve (5000~9000).　Conclusions　Obturator nerve and genitofemoral nerve can be used as donor nerves to repair the lumbosacral plexus nerve avulsion injuries.

Key words: Obturator nerve, Genitofemoral nerve, Lumbosacral plexus, Nerve transfer, Avulsion