Meralgia paresthetica: Distinguishing between spinal and nonspinal origin: A case study

THE WORDS MERALGIA PARESTHETICA apply to any type of irritation whether mechanical, organic, and so forth, that irritates the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). However, semantically this is incorrect, as true meralgia paresthetica is caused by local compression of the LFCN at the inguinal ligament and not the spine. The words meralgia paresthetica appear to be an all-encompassing term that does not differentiate between a spinal and nonspinal origin. The purpose of discussing this case is to demonstrate how to determine the exact cause of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve pain with a careful history and examination. This will lead to an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment plan.