Meralgia paresthetica

Definition

• Lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy

Etiology

• Impingement of nerve by inguinal ligament
• Complication of surgery

Risk factors

• Overweight

Clinical Presentation

• Isolated numbness and tingling over unilateral anterolateral thigh
• No change in power or reflexes

Investigations

• EMG: rule out other disorders (should be normal in meralgia paresthetica)
• Ultrasound groin: rule out compressive lesion

Management

• Neuropathic pain medications
  • Amitriptyline
  • Gabapentin
• Avoidance of trigger (cycling, tight belts, weight agin/loss, etc.
• Occasionally need injections over nerve
• If all else fails, nerve transection