Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Meralgia paresthetica
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Meralgia paresthetica

Contributors: Carolyn Zyloney MD, Christine Osborne MD, Jamie Adams MD, Richard L. Barbano MD, PhD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy and is characterized by paresthesias, numbness, dysesthesia, and occasionally pain in the anterolateral thigh. Symptoms are often exacerbated by standing or walking and are relieved by sitting. As the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve does not have any motor component, there is no weakness associated with this condition. Meralgia paresthetica has an incidence of 3:10 000 patients and is most common in middle-aged adults but can occur in all age groups.

Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve typically occurs where it enters the leg near the inguinal ligament. It is usually unilateral, but up to 20% of patients can develop bilateral meralgia paresthetica. Most cases are idiopathic. Damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can also occur as a result of trauma or surgical procedures. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, alcohol use disorder, leprosy, or a history of lead poisoning have a higher risk for developing meralgia paresthetica. This condition can be exacerbated in patients who wear tight-fitting pants, belts, or corsets, have had recent weight gain, or are pregnant.

Treatment often involves avoiding wearing tight-fitting clothing and losing weight, with resolution of symptoms, although some patients are left with permanent paresthesias in the affected area.

Codes

ICD10CM:
G57.10 – Meralgia paresthetica, unspecified lower limb

SNOMEDCT:
85007004 – Meralgia paresthetica

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:02/26/2019
Last Updated:03/29/2022
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Meralgia paresthetica
Print  
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.