Femoral Nerve Compression (Meralgia Paresthetica)

Reconstructive Surgery in Washington, DC
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.