Abstract
AimMeralgia paresthetica is a painful mononeuropathy resulting from compression or focal entrapment of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) as it passes deep to or through the inguinal ligament (IL). There are no reports available on cross‐sectional microanatomy of LFCN. The aim of the study was an attempt to find the changes in non‐fascicular components (Adipose (FAT) and non‐adipose tissue (connective tissue) (nFAT)) of LFCN just above IL (LFCN‐1), at IL (LFCN‐2) and below IL (LFCN‐3).MethodsWe studied 21 human cadaveric LFCN‐1, LFCN‐2 and LFCN‐3 samples. Paraffin sections of these nerves were processed by Masson's trichrome stain for connective tissue. FAT and nFAT areas were calculated from the non‐fascicular areas of these nerves.ResultsFascicles was found to be more in LFCN‐3 when compared to LFCN‐1 and LFCN‐2. There was more nFAT in LFCN‐2 when compared to LFCN‐1 and LFCN‐3. The comparison of the nFAT and FAT between LFCN‐1 and LFCN‐2 (p<0.001), LFCN‐1 and LFCN‐3 (p<0.001), and LFCN‐2 and LFCN‐3 (p<0.001) were statistically significant.ConclusionsMore nFAT when compared to FAT was found in LFCN‐2. These results of the study might help to explain Meralgia paresthetica resulting from compression or focal entrapment of the LFCN as it passes deep to or through the IL. Microanatomical knowledge of the LFCN is essential for decompression and neurolysis of the nerve in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica.
Published Version
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