II. Pathophysiology
- Compression Neuropathy
- Entrapment of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
- Associated with compression at inguinal ligament
III. Associated conditions
- Obesity
- Wide belt
- Corset or tight jeans
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Prior inguinal surgery
IV. Symptoms
- Paresthesias or Dysesthesias at proximal lateral thigh
- Pain radiation
- Knee
- Buttock
- Low back
- Unilateral in most cases (may occur bilaterally)
- Provocative factors
- Sitting with involved leg under body
- Women commonly sit in this position
- Rifle team members
- Prolonged sitting or squatting
- Increased walking or standing
- Sitting with involved leg under body
V. Signs
- Motor function fully intact
- Hyperesthesia over lateral thick
- Increased light Touch Sensation
- Increased pinprick Sensation
VI. Differential Diagnosis
- Femoral Neuropathy
- Lumbar Radiculopathy (L2-3, L3-4)
- Lumbar plexus lesions
VII. Diagnosis
- Electromyogram (EMG)
VIII. Management
- Clothing changes
- Avoid wide belts
- Avoid tight garters or girdles
- Weight loss
- Capsaicin
- Elavil 30 mg qhs
- Local Anesthetic and Corticosteroid
- Surgery rarely indicated
- Surgical Decompression
- Destruction of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
IX. Course
- Spontaneous resolution in many cases by 2 years