Meralgia Paraesthetica is a clinical condition that results from compression or stretching of the Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh (LCNT) when it passes behind or through the inguinal ligament. The clinical features of this condition include pain, numbness or tingling sensation of the anterior and lateral aspect of the thigh (trouser pocket area).
Diagnosis of the disease is usually clinical, confirmed by Neurophysiological studies and imaging in form of U/S and MRI scan. Management, conservative treatment is the first option in mild and moderate condition. The first treatment is to avoid actions that cause symptoms. Simple measures like weight loss, pain killers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help in improving the symptoms. In severe cases, local ultrasound guided steroid injection is the treatment of choice.
Sometimes, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve, especially in moderate and severe condition. This can involve releasing the nerve from underneath the inguinal ligament. Sometimes cutting the nerve may relieve the pain but would the patient with a patch of sensory loss at the anterio-lateral aspect of the thigh.