In meralgia paresthetica, burning pain and numbness over the lateral thigh results from entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Which space does this nerve traverse to exit the pelvis, making it susceptible to entrapment?

• A Greater sciatic foramen
• B Through the femoral triangle under the inguinal ligament
• C Medial to the ASIS, passing under or through the inguinal ligament ✓
• D Through the obturator foramen

Explanation

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (L2–L3) exits the pelvis by passing medial to or through a notch in the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). It is a pure sensory nerve with no motor component. Entrapment at this site (by obesity, tight belts, pregnancy, or retroperitoneal masses) causes meralgia paresthetica — burning, tingling, and numbness over the lateral thigh. Treatment is conservative (weight loss, posture correction) or nerve block; no motor deficit occurs.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.