Ultrasound-guided radio frequency ablation of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in intractable meralgia paresthetica

Abstract

Meralgia paresthetica characterised by pain, tingling and numbness in lateral aspect of thigh. A 48 year-old male with 2 years history of left lateral thigh paresthesias and burning pain consistent with meralgia paresthetica was referred to our clinic after failing trials of physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and neuropathic medications. We performed lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block with corticosteroid, after that patient had good relief for 2 months; however, block provided only temporary relief and patient again started feeling same pain. As this pain was limiting the patient's ability to perform his functions as truck driver, we planned to perform a pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve left side under ultrasound guidance. After locating the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with ultrasound and reproducing the patient's dysesthesia with stimulation, pulsed radiofrequency treatment was performed at 42°C for 120 seconds. The needle was then rotated 180° and an additional cycle of pulsed radiofrequency treatment was performed followed by injection of 0.125 % bupivacaine with 20 mg triamcinolone. At 2 and 4 month follow-up visits, the patient reported excellent pain relief with activity and improved ability to perform his duties. We have also described various aetiologies for meralgia paresthetica and multiple modalities available for the treatment of meralgia paresthetica.