Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Roots

Pathway

Motor innervation

Cutaneous Innervation

Examination

Sidelying

• Side Lying bottom leg bent
• Top leg in slight ext, add, hands up over head, slump down
• (+) Reproduce symptoms

Standing

Dysfunction

Meralgia Paresthetica

“Ischemia (diminished blood flow) of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh can result when the nerve is stretched or entrapped by the inguinal ligament (see Fig. 34.11B) during hyperextension of the hip or with increased lordosis (curvature) of the lumbar spine, as often occurs during pregnancy. This results in pain, numbness, or paresthesia (tingling or burning) on the outer aspect of the thigh. It is most commonly found in obese or diabetic individuals and in pregnant women.”¹

Symptoms

• Lat leg pain.numbness
• IT band pain
• Lat knee pain

Causes

• Surgery
• Pelvic surgery
• Adhesive conditions etc

Post-partum

Meralgia paresthetic is common post-partum since the inguinal canal compressed due to the combination of laxity and supine position for hours

Treatment

• Clear lumbar nerve roots and thoracolumbar fascia
• Clear fascia along ASIS
• Stretch the ITB
  • do NOT do the slump during exercise since it may aggravate it
• Regional stretches
  • Standing SB
  • Flossing in and out of the position
• Nerve sliding
  • Same position as testing position
  • Reach I/L arm up and overhead to intensify the floss
  • IF pain → Partial ROM, no slumping
  • Try to get them as far as you can without too much sx
• Progress → More leg extension
• Strengthen hip abductors
  • Supports lateral compartment of the thigh

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.