Meralgia paresthetica: a complication of iliac bone procurement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Neuroanatomy

Background:

• Iliac bone graft procurement is a common orthopedic procedure.
• Potential complications can arise from the surgical site.

Observation:

• A rare complication involves injury or entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
• This can occur during the iliac bone graft harvesting procedure or during scar healing.

Findings:

• The surgical anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is detailed.
• Pathophysiology of nerve injury and entrapment is explained.
• Effective treatment strategies for this nerve lesion are presented.

Implications:

• Understanding nerve anatomy can help prevent iatrogenic injury.
• Proper surgical technique and post-operative care are crucial.
• This knowledge aids surgeons in managing and avoiding this rare complication.