Meralgia paresthetica as a cause of leg discomfort

A series of 74 cases of meralgia paresthetica is presented. All patients were satisfactorily treated with nonsurgical modalities. A brief review of the etiological factors involved supports the impression that it is an entrapment syndrome related primarily to external pressure against the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the region of the anterior superior iliac spine. Though its peripheral symptomatology is relatively straightforward, often associated pain referred to the gluteal area results in an incorrect diagnosis of sciatic radiculopathy due to "disc disease". The correct diagnosis can be easily made from the relief obtained by injecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with an anesthetic agent.