Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Meralgia Paresthetica Follow-up
- Author: Christopher Luzzio, MD; Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD more...
Prognosis
- Prognosis depends on the etiology of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN injury). Simple meralgia paresthetica caused by external or benign mechanical injury often remits spontaneously. In one study where the surgical candidates were selected carefully, most patients who chose nerve decompression for chronic discomfort experienced relief. Factors that indicate excellent surgical outcome are outlined in Surgical Intervention.
- For most patients, this condition is self-limiting, and with education, patients learn to tolerate symptoms and modify activity, thus avoiding surgery or other aggressive treatments.
Patient Education
- Instruct patients to avoid activities that injure the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
Carai A, Fenu G, Sechi E, et al. Anatomical variability of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: findings from a surgical series. Clin Anat. Jan 27 2009;22(3):365-370. [Medline].
Otoshi K, Itoh Y, Tsujino A, et al. Case report: meralgia paresthetica in a baseball pitcher. Clin Orthop Relat Res. Sep 2008;466(9):2268-70. [Medline].
Schestatsky P, Llado-Carbo E, Casanova-Molla J, et al. Small fibre function in patients with meralgia paresthetica. Pain. Oct 15 2008;139(2):342-8. [Medline].
Knight RQ, Schwaegler P, Hanscom D, et al. Direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative conditions: early complication profile. J Spinal Disord Tech. Feb 2009;22(1):34-7. [Medline].
Moucharafieh R, Wehbe J, Maalouf G. Meralgia paresthetica: a result of tight new trendy low cut trousers ('taille basse'). Int J Surg. Apr 2008;6(2):164-8. [Medline].
Alberti O, Wickboldt J, Becker R. Suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach for the successful surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica. J Neurosurg. Oct 31 2008;[Medline].
van Eerten PV, Polder TW, Broere CA. Operative treatment of meralgia paresthetica: transection versus neurolysis. Neurosurgery. Jul 1995;37(1):63-5. [Medline].
Tagliafico A, Serafini G, Lacelli F, Perrone N, Valsania V, Martinoli C. Ultrasound-guided treatment of meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy): technical description and results of treatment in 20 consecutive patients. J Ultrasound Med. Oct 2011;30(10):1341-6. [Medline].
Liveson JA, Ma DM. Lumbar plexus. In: Laboratory Reference for Clinical Neurophysiology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 1998:165-8.
Massey EW. Sensory mononeuropathies. Semin Neurol. 1998;18(2):177-83. [Medline].
Nahabedian MY, Dellon AL. Meralgia paresthetica: etiology, diagnosis, and outcome of surgical decompression. Ann Plast Surg. Dec 1995;35(6):590-4. [Medline].
Streiffer RH. Meralgia paresthetica. Am Fam Physician. Mar 1986;33(3):141-4. [Medline].
Travell JG, Simons DG. Tensor fasciae latae muscle and sartorius muscle. In: Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual for the Lower Extremities. vol 2. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1999:230-2.

