Interventional and multimodal pain rehabilitation in a child with meralgia paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is a chronic pain syndrome that is extremely rare in the pediatric population. It is manifested by hypesthesia or pain in the distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) and is typically caused by entrapment as the nerve passes deep to the inguinal ligament. This sensory mononeuropathy is rare in children and diagnosis is typically delayed, often leading to prolonged functional impairment and unnecessary medical testing. A 9-year-old girl presented to the pain clinic with a 6-week history of right anterolateral thigh pain first noticed after a nontraumatic cheerleading practice. Comprehensive laboratory and radiographic evaluation by multiple prior specialists revealed no clear nociceptive source of pain. History and examination were consistent with a diagnosis of idiopathic, compressive meralgia paresthetica. Conservative management including physical therapy was followed for 2 weeks with only mild improvement noted. To facilitate physical therapy, an ultrasound-guided LFCN block was performed which confirmed the diagnosis by providing complete analgesia. The patient reported overall 25% improvement from multimodal therapy at another 2 weeks. A second LFCN block was performed with complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of function. The patient remains pain-free and has returned to walking, running, and competitive sports. The primary goal of pediatric chronic pain management, regardless of pain etiology, is early restoration of function to avoid prolonged absence from school, sports, or other productive activities and limit the psychological burden of chronic disease.