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NCT Number: NCT07318987

EFFECT OF SAPHENOUS NERVE RELEASE ON PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

Cairo, Egypt

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

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)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

1 - Age from 18 to 35 and BMI 18 to 25 kg/m2. 2. Both gender (male and female) 3. Patients who had anterior knee pain for at least six weeks 4. Patients with positive saphenous neurodynamic test (SAPHNT)

Exclusion criteria

  • Knee replacement
  • An intraarticular injection within the past 3 months
  • Previous operative treatment or arthroscopy, other secondary knee-related problems (bursitis, tendinopathy, osteochondritis, neuromas, intraarticular pathology (such as osteoarthritis), tumor, and rheumatologic diseases
  • Diabetic neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia

Treatment and study plan

Saphenous nerve release

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. knee pain

    Time frame: up to 6 weeks

    Visual analogue scale to measure pain intensity

  2. Balance

    Time frame: up to 6 weeks

    Using the Biodex Stability System (Biodex balance system), static balance was measured

  3. Function

    Time frame: up to 6 weeks

    Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) for knee pain and function, The Kujala score is composed of 13 multiple choice questions: the presence of a limp, the need for support, the ability to walk, the ability to climb stairs, the ability to squat, the ability to run, the ability to jump, prolonged sitting with knees in the flexed position, the presence of knee pain, the presence of knee swelling, the presence of abnormal painful patellar movement, atrophy of the thigh muscles, and deficiency of knee flexion.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Q angle

    Time frame: up to 6 weeks

    The Q-angle is the angle formed between a line from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the center of the patella and a line from the center of the patella to the tibial tuberosity. It reflects the alignment of the quadriceps muscle and the patellofemoral joint and is commonly assessed in patients with PFPS.

    Kinovea can be used to measure the Q-angle accurately by placing visual markers on the ASIS, patellar center, and tibial tuberosity, then capturing a frontal-plane image or video. Using Kinovea's angle measurement tool, the two lines are drawn and the angle is calculated. This provides a valid, reliable, and non-invasive method for assessing Q-angle in clinical and research settings, particularly for evaluating lower-limb alignment in PFPS.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Markos Boshra, bachelor's

CONTACT

[email protected]

01201365245

Markos Boshra, bachelor's

CONTACT

[email protected]

01550799147

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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