Variations in the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh in Cadavers: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN) is formed by the union of the dorsal divisions of the ventral rami of the third and fourth lumbar spinal nerves. The nerve is a sensory branch of the lumbar plexus and supplies the upper lateral aspect of the thigh. It is often trapped between the inguinal ligament and the anterior superior iliac spine, causing paraesthesia in the supplied area, known as meralgia paraesthetica. The LFCN has been shown to exhibit significant variations in formation and course, which can affect the efficacy of nerve blocks administered in the affected area. Aim: To study the variations in the formation of the LFCN in the pelvis of cadavers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, from January 2021 to January 2023. The study involved 25 formalin-embalmed cadavers (20 male and 5 female) obtained from the anatomy departments of various medical colleges in Rajasthan. All human cadaveric specimens with well-preserved lumbar plexus, regardless of gender, were included. The lumbar plexus was dissected bilaterally, and the formation and any variations of the LFCN were observed and recorded using digital photography. The obtained data was segregated by gender and side, and Chi-square test was applied to analyse the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: The LFCN originated from L2 and L3 in 47 (94%) specimens. We observed the absence of the LFCN, double LFCN, and sole origin from L2 only in 1 (2%) case each. Additionally, the origin of the LFCN from the femoral nerve was observed in one specimen. Conclusion: The variations noted in the present study would be valuable for surgeons and anaesthetists planning skin grafts and nerve blocks in the thigh area, as well as in transpsoas surgeries.