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) #LFCN #MeralgiaParesthetica #MSK #pathophysiology #differential #diagnosis #signs #symptoms
