From the Research
No, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) of the thigh does not run through the femoral canal. The LFCN typically passes beneath or through the inguinal ligament, approximately 1-2 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine, and then courses laterally over the sartorius muscle before dividing into anterior and posterior branches to supply sensation to the anterolateral and lateral aspects of the thigh.
Key Points
- The femoral canal, in contrast, is located more medially in the femoral sheath, medial to the femoral vein, and serves as a potential space containing lymphatics and fat.
- The femoral nerve, which is distinct from the LFCN, passes deep to the inguinal ligament lateral to the femoral vessels but still does not traverse the femoral canal itself.
- Understanding this anatomical relationship is important when diagnosing conditions like meralgia paresthetica (compression of the LFCN) and when performing regional nerve blocks or surgical approaches in the anterior thigh region, as highlighted in a recent study 1.
Anatomical Variations
- The course of the LFCN can be variable, with some studies finding that it can be located as far as 7.3 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine along the inguinal ligament 2.
- Other studies have found that the LFCN can have multiple branches, with up to four branches found in some cases 3.
- A recent study found that the LFCN can be surrounded by a complete fascial canal, which can make surgical exposure more challenging 4.
Clinical Implications
- The anatomical relationship between the LFCN and the femoral canal is important for surgeons and clinicians to understand, as it can help to prevent iatrogenic injury to the nerve during surgical procedures.
- The use of high-resolution pre- or intraoperative imaging can help to localize the LFCN and prevent unnecessary injury 4.
- A simple technical guide for surgeons and trainees has been proposed to help with the surgical anatomy of the LFCN for meralgia paraesthetica 5.