[Meralgia paresthetica: an uncommon entrapment neuropathy (author's transl)].

Meralgia paresthetica although it does not produce intensive pain is a cause of chronic disability, usually barely improved by medical treatment. From the report of two cases of neurolysis the authors stress on the possibility of entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in its way through the femoral canal, between the inguinal ligament and the fascia-iliaca. Anatomically, there is in this canal a normal right angle between the horizontal portion (abdominopelvic) and the vertical course in the thigh. The compression is due to a thickening of the fascia-iliaca as it forms the postero inferior wall of this canal; the nerve is squeezed between the fascia and the inguinal ligament. In 60% of cases of meralgia paresthetica where this mechanism is involved, the funicular neurolysis appears to be a radical treatment.