Anatomical and ultrasound observation of the nearby of the anterior superior iliac spine: the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective Meralgia paresthetica(MP) is commonly caused by mechanical entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The entrapment often occurs at the site where the nerve exits the pelvis. Its optimal surgical management remains to be established, partly because the fine architecture of the fascial planes around the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to determine the fascia structure of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve nearby the anterior superior iliac spine using anatomy and ultrasound technique. Methods Eleven cadavers were selected for plastination (6 female, 5 male, age range 38-97 years). Ultrasonography was performed on 34 healthy volunteers (19 women, 15 men, age range, 20-62 years). Results The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve exited the pelvis via a tendinous canal within the internal oblique-iliac fascia septum,and then between the sartorius muscle surface and the tensor fascia lata muscle located below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). and then ran between the sartorius muscle and the tensor fascia. Conclusion Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is located in the aponeurosis of the intra-abdominal oblique muscle at the pelvic outlet. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve travels on the surface and outside of the sartorius muscle. These two segments of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can be localized by ultrasound scans.