Femoral neuropathy: a complication of renal transplantation.

Femoral neuropathy occurred in 3 patients after renal transplantation. This appeared to be due to compression of the femoral nerve by medial and inferior blades of the self-retaining retractors used during renal transplantation surgery. The condition resulted in weakness of quadriceps muscles, loss of patellar reflex, and sensory deficit on the side of transplantation surgery. The rate of recovery from neurologic deficits appeared to depend on the level of transplant renal function.