Meralgia paresthetica: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings

Compression/injury of Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) -> Meralgia paresthetica

 • Symptoms are typically unilateral and rarely follow dermatomal distributions

 • In most patients recovery is spontaneous within 3-6 months of symptom onset

 • LFCN is a purely sensory nerve, thus symptoms are purely sensory

 • Before diagnosis can be made, rule out: focal mass compression, spinal stenosis, lumbar arthropathies, intervertebral disc disease

 • Following must be absent: lower back pain, constitutional or radicular symptoms, motor abnormalities (gait, strength, reflexes), palpable mass



Sensory Symptoms Only:

  - Decreased sensation

  - Dysesthesias (Tingling, Burning, Stinging, Stabbing)

  - Negative Straight Leg Raise Test

  - Pain on palpation of lateral inguinal ligament (near anterior superior iliac spine)



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