Meralgia paresthetica is most commonly due to injury of which nerve?

Meralgia paresthetica is most commonly due to injury of which nerve?

• A. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• B. Femoral nerve
• C. Obturator nerve
• D. Iliohypogastric nerve

Answer: (A)

Meralgia paresthetica arises when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed as it passes under the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine. This nerve provides sensation to the anterolateral (outer) thigh, so compression causes numbness, tingling, or burning in that region while motor function remains intact. The other nerves mentioned innervate different areas or have motor roles: the femoral nerve mainly handles the front thigh muscles and some sensory areas of the anterior thigh and leg; the obturator nerve supplies the medial thigh and hip adductors; the iliohypogastric nerve covers the suprapubic region. Therefore, the pattern of sensory disturbance in the outer thigh points to injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Meralgia paresthetica arises when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed as it passes under the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine. This nerve provides sensation to the anterolateral (outer) thigh, so compression causes numbness, tingling, or burning in that region while motor function remains intact. The other nerves mentioned innervate different areas or have motor roles: the femoral nerve mainly handles the front thigh muscles and some sensory areas of the anterior thigh and leg; the obturator nerve supplies the medial thigh and hip adductors; the iliohypogastric nerve covers the suprapubic region. Therefore, the pattern of sensory disturbance in the outer thigh points to injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.