Meralgia Paresthetica: A Report of a Rare Case

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a painful condition caused by damage or constriction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This entrapment condition typically arises due to various factors, including trauma, pelvic tumors, external compression from belts or snug attire, and weight gain. The prognosis is generally favorable since most cases are self-limiting or respond to conservative treatment. We present the case of a 53-year-old overweight man, with no relevant medical history, who was a victim of a traffic accident in October 2023 which resulted in polytrauma, according to the Case Reports (CARE) checklist. The main complaint of the patient was tingling of the left thigh, with dysesthesia to gentle rubbing along the anterolateral surface. After a diagnostic study, a diagnosis of post-trauma MP was thus established, probably due to seat-belt compression of the LFCN, and physiatric treatment was initiated. With the assistance of ultrasound, a large hematoma was seen, above the inguinal ligament with drainage of 140ccc of serosanguineous fluid with resolution of the symptoms. This case emphasizes the importance of a physiatry consultation for a correct diagnosis and focuses on the main complaint of a polytrauma patient.