Characteristics of Femoral Motor Neuropathies Induced After Kidney Transplantation: A Case Series

Background. Femoral motor neuropathy (FMN) induced after kidney transplantation (KT) can injure the patient and graft, and it sometimes can leave sequelae on gait. Nevertheless, the cause of FMN has not been determined. We assessed 5 cases of FMN in an attempt to determine the traits induced after KT. Methods. Patient data about general characteristics, immunologic characteristics, operative findings, post-operative status, and FMN characteristics were assessed. A Bookwalter self retaining retractor was used and quadruple immunosuppression was implemented in all cases. Results. Five patients had FMN. Four of the 5 patients were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 20.38 +/- 1.99 kg/m(2) prior to KT and 19.08 +/- 1.98 kg/m(2) after KT. The mean graft-recipient weight ratio was 3.46 +/- 0.99 g/kg. There was no case of psoas muscle abscess or hematoma. Motor function recovery was obtained 3 to 313 days after rehabilitation Immediate graft function was favorable in all patients with no rejection or significant complications. Conclusions. FMN after KT may occur in patients with a lower BMI and higher graft recipient weight ratio. This study was based on only 5 patients, and therefore further studies with a larger population size are necessary.