Sonographic assessment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of high-frequency sonography to evaluate the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).

Methods: A cadaveric study was performed on 5 cadavers to outline the normal course of the LFCN. Next, 37 LFCNs in 21 volunteers were evaluated via sonography with a 5-13-MHz linear-array transducer.

Results: The LFCN was easily identified in our dissections. It always entered the thigh under the inguinal ligament and coursed superficially to the sartorius muscle. In 2/10 (20%) cases, anatomical variants were observed. Sonography revealed the LFCN in 26/37 (70%) cases. The relationships of the nerve with the deep circumflex iliac artery, the anterior superior iliac spine, and the sartorius were visualized. Neuromas were observed bilaterally in 1 volunteer.

Conclusion: The LFCN can be seen in the groin with the aid of sonography.