Meralgia paresthetica is the term for compression of a branch of the nerves that gives normal sensation to the outside of the upper thigh. This nerve is called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and it can be injured or compressed at any spot where it travels from the nerve roots near the spine down to the thigh region. The nerve is often pinched between the bones, the ligament which forms the groin crease, or the muscles in the area. Surgery in the groin area from hernia surgery or bone harvesting, as well as a history of massive weight loss can predispose patients to pain from this nerve compression. Pressure on this nerve causes feelings of numbness and/or burning pain along the front and outside part of the thigh, extending from the inside of the hip, the groin and the buttock areas down to the knee. Surgical exploration and decompression of this nerve can frequently improve the symptoms in patients with this condition.
MeetJohn Barbour, MD, FACS
Dr. John Barbour combines the benefits of excellent surgical training with a caring and thoughtful approach to his patients. He previously served as the Director of the Peripheral Nerve Surgery Institute at Georgetown University Hospital and as an Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, and earned an adjunct appointment as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Barbour is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon serving the national capital/Washington, DC area. Dr. Barbour is board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery with additional sub-certification in surgery of the hand. He has specialized fellowship training in both hand surgery and microvascular surgery, and specializes in complex nerve surgery, breast reconstruction and microsurgery.
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Reviews
“Very calm and knowledgeable and made me at ease. Also very humble. I would definitely getting his opinion if you have a nerve injury. His bedside manner gave me reason for hope."