Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Neurectomy With Nerve End Implantation for Meralgia Paresthetica: A Technique Guide

Abstract

Meralgia paresthetica is an uncommon but painful neuropathy causing anterolateral thigh pain. Compression or injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) leads to pain and/or numbness in its distribution throughout the thigh. Historically, surgical decompression of the LFCN just below the inguinal ligament was most commonly utilized for first-line surgical management, but recently, fully transecting the LFCN is becoming increasingly popular as more favorable outcomes are reported. This Technical Note describes our surgical approach to neurectomy and nerve end implantation for the treatment of meralgia paresthetica.