Meralgia Paresthetica
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Basics
Description
- Meralgia paresthetica (MP) describes an entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).
- Symptoms include pain, paresthesias, and sensory loss over the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (1).
Epidemiology
Incidence
Etiology and Pathophysiology
MP arises from LFCN entrapment.
- LFCN is usually derived from L1, L2, and L3 nerve roots.
- LFCN emerges from the lateral aspect of the psoas muscle and travels along the retroperitoneal space toward the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). It enters the anterior region of the thigh by passing deep to, through, or superficial to the inguinal ligament.
- Most commonly entrapped at inguinal ligament but may occur at any place along course of LFCN
Risk Factors
- Iatrogenic: common postsurgical complication after hip replacement, pelvic, or spine surgeries
- Metabolic factors: diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, heavy metal poisoning
- Mechanical factors: tight clothing/belts around waist, pregnancy, seatbelts, strenuous walking/cycling (2)
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Sudden weight changes (up or down)
- Hip osteoarthritis or pubic symphysis degeneration
- Hip, pelvic, or spine surgical history
- Retroperitoneal/pelvic mass
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (2)
-- To view the remaining sections of this topic, please log in or purchase a subscription --
Basics
Description
- Meralgia paresthetica (MP) describes an entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).
- Symptoms include pain, paresthesias, and sensory loss over the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (1).
Epidemiology
Incidence
Etiology and Pathophysiology
MP arises from LFCN entrapment.
- LFCN is usually derived from L1, L2, and L3 nerve roots.
- LFCN emerges from the lateral aspect of the psoas muscle and travels along the retroperitoneal space toward the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). It enters the anterior region of the thigh by passing deep to, through, or superficial to the inguinal ligament.
- Most commonly entrapped at inguinal ligament but may occur at any place along course of LFCN
Risk Factors
- Iatrogenic: common postsurgical complication after hip replacement, pelvic, or spine surgeries
- Metabolic factors: diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, heavy metal poisoning
- Mechanical factors: tight clothing/belts around waist, pregnancy, seatbelts, strenuous walking/cycling (2)
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Sudden weight changes (up or down)
- Hip osteoarthritis or pubic symphysis degeneration
- Hip, pelvic, or spine surgical history
- Retroperitoneal/pelvic mass
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (2)
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