Meralgia Paresthetica

Purpose of Review This review article summaries the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, and latest treatment modalities of meralgia paresthetica, including the latest data about peripheral and spinal cord stimulation therapy. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) causes burning, stinging, or numbness in the anterolateral part of the thigh, usually due to compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Recent Findings There are emerging data regarding the benefit of interventional pain procedures, including steroid injection and radiofrequency ablation, and other interventions including spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation reserved for refractory cases. Summary The strength of evidence for treatment choices in meralgia paraesthetica is weak. Some observational studies are comparing local injection of corticosteroid versus surgical interventions. However, more extensive studies are needed regarding the long-term benefit of peripheral and spinal cord stimulation therapy.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, and latest treatment modalities of meralgia paresthetica, including the latest data about peripheral and spinal cord stimulation therapy. However, the strength of evidence for treatment choices in meralgia paraesthetica is weak, and more extensive studies are needed.