Atypical Origin of the Saphenous Nerve and a Variation of the Right Iliacus Muscle: A Case Report

Abstract

During a routine cadaveric dissection of the posterior abdominal wall, variations of the bilateral lumbar plexus and a variant saphenous nerve originating in the lower abdomen were noted and documented. The description of a saphenous nerve originating at the level of the lumbar plexus is, to the best of our knowledge, the first of its kind. Further study revealed more variations at the root of the lumbar plexus and bilateral branching patterns. A variant iliacus muscle entrapping the superior portion of the femoral nerve was also observed on the right side within the abdominal cavity. These variations are discussed in the context of risk of clinical intervention in this anatomical region.