[Peripheral neuropathic pain relieved by somatosensory rehabilitation]

The femoral neuralgia is a rather frequent and invalidating clinical disorder. It takes on many clinical forms because of the anatomical variations of the cutaneous branches of saphenous and femoral nerves. The neuroplasticity of the somato-sensory system has now been determined which allows for a better understanding of the techniques of somatosensory rehabilitation. The authors precisely explain the various stages necessary in the care of patients suffering from femoral neuralgia. The various strategies of somatosensory rehabilitation are mentioned. The authors also present a brief review of the pharmacological treatments of peripheral neuropathic pain. Lastly, the result of the somatosensory rehabilitation of femoral neuralgia (NNT = 1.8) is documented on the basis of a prospective study done on 59 patients.