Meralgia paraesthetica following lumbar spine surgery: A study in 120 consecutive surgically treated cases

Abstract

Background: Meralgia paresthetica is a non–life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by numbness, tingling, and burning pain over the anterolateral aspect of thigh due to impingement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This disorder has been seen in patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity, but has also been observed in patients after procedures such as posterior spine surgery, iliac crest bone grafts, lumbar disk surgery, hernia repair, appendectomies, and pelvic osteotomies that ultimately lead to compression or damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Overall, permanent sequelae of meralgia paresthetica are rare, however, some cases do require intervention. Study design: In this prospective study of 120 patients who underwent elective lumbar spinal surgery, the incidence, possible risk factors, etiopathogenesis and management of MP were analysed. Result: There were 70 males and 50 females. The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 81 years (mean 46.9 yrs.). Thirteen patients (12%) suffered from MP. It is more common in thinner individuals due to pressure injury to the nerve at its exit point. Ninety-two percent of the patients were asymptomatic at follow-up after 6 months. In 7 out of 13 patients, patchy sensory loss on clinical examination was seen at 6 months. Conclusion: MP after posterior lumbar spinal surgery is uncommon. Smaller bolsters may avoid some of the vulnerable pressure points, as the surface area available is relatively smaller. The posts of the Hall-Relton frame over the anterior superior iliac crest should be adequately padded. The condition is usually self-limiting. Surgical division or decompression of the LCFN is reserved for persistent or severe MP.