Variations in the cadaveric anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: Implications in surgical approaches around the hip and pelvis
Author(s): Oliver Shastri
Abstract
The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve of the thigh (LFCN) is a branch of the lumbar plexus that supplies sensation to the anterolateral thigh. The LFCN is susceptible to injury during orthopaedic surgery, in particular the anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) with incidence of LFCN injury in up to 91% of cases. Injury to the LFCN can result in the painful disabling condition, meralgiaparaesthetica, which can potentially impair outcomes of THA.