[Impairment of the saphenous nerve by a tourniquet.].

The authors describe a case report where the application of a tourniquet in the area of the Hunter's canal resulted in the impairment of the saphenous nerve with typical symptoms which could be treated only by neurotomy. Examinaton by available clinical methods has not proved other potential causes of the impairment of the nerve. The authors emphasize the significance of acroparesthesiae as the primary symptom of the impairment of the sensitive nerve, they point out the factors of tourniquet tollerance and stress the importance of a proper placement of a tourniquet. Key words: saphenous nerve, tourniquet.