Meralgia paraesthetica——Primary or secondary entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

65 cases of meralgia paracsthetica are reported. There are two types of meralgia: that due to a lesion at the outer attachment of the inguinal ligament; and that which may be called secondary or symptomatic meralgia. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve runs in an anatomical course that renders it especially vulnerable not only to mechanical trauma, but aiso to other detrimental factors. The nerve, in its long course, is exposed to mechanical trauma at three points: just after the exit from the psoas, at the point of crossing the pelvic brim and in the fibrous canal in fascia lata. The aetiolngical factors are as varied as in case of neuropathies in general. However, anatomical variations in the course of nerve and local trauma caused by the physiological activities, may play a very important role. This syndrome is a minor nuisance recovering on its own in most patients. Only in a few it may give rise to severe pain needing surgical treatment.