ABSTRACT
Meralgia paresthetica is a painful mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The diagnosis is readily made clinically; however, nerve conductions may aid in verification. Etiology can be spontaneous or iatrogenic. Meralgia paresthetica has been reported in all ages but most commonly occurs in middle age. Transversing retroperitoneally, it approaches the anterior superior iliac spine. It then crosses or pierces the ilioinguinal ligament to enter into the thigh. The most common site of crossing of the ilioinguinal ligament is 1 centimeter medial to the anterior superior iliac spine; however, it has been noted as far as 6.5 centimeter medially. Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include constant or intermittent numbness, burning, or tingling in the lateral thigh. Symptoms may be exacerbated by prolonged walking or standing. Injury to the nerve more proximal can also occur. Proximal to this point, pelvic tumors, abscesses, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease can compromise the nerve.
