Lateral cutaneous nerve

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh (also known as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) is a sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin on the lateral part of the thigh. It is a branch of the lumbar plexus, arising from the posterior divisions of the anterior rami of the second and third lumbar nerves (L2-L3).

Anatomy

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh emerges from the lumbar plexus and travels through the psoas major muscle. It then crosses the iliacus muscle obliquely towards the anterior superior iliac spine. The nerve passes under the inguinal ligament and enters the thigh, where it divides into anterior and posterior branches.

Branches

• The anterior branch supplies the skin on the anterior and lateral aspects of the thigh down to the knee.
• The posterior branch supplies the skin from the greater trochanter to the mid-thigh.

Clinical significance

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh is commonly associated with a condition known as meralgia paresthetica. This condition is characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer part of the thigh. It is often caused by compression of the nerve as it passes under the inguinal ligament.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and physical examination. Treatment options include:

• Avoiding tight clothing and belts
• Weight loss
• Physical therapy
• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• In severe cases, surgical decompression may be considered.

See also

• Lumbar plexus
• Meralgia paresthetica
• Inguinal ligament

References

Susan,

 Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 
 41st edition, 
 Elsevier, 
 2016, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9,

External links

• AnatomyExpert - Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh