Meralgia paresthetica is caused by entrapment of which nerve?

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

Answer: (B)

Meralgia paresthetica results from compression of a purely sensory nerve as it passes near the hip. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve supplies sensation to the anterolateral thigh and, when compressed under the inguinal ligament near the ASIS, causes numbness, tingling, and burning in that specific area. The other nerves have different roles and distributions: the sciatic nerve supplies the posterior thigh and leg; the obturator nerve covers the medial thigh; the femoral nerve supplies the anterior thigh and part of the leg via the saphenous nerve. Because the symptoms are confined to the lateral thigh, the nerve involved is the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.