What is the sensory function of the femoral nerve?
The femoral nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the anterior thigh and the anteromedial aspect of the leg. The afferent innervation of the leg is provided by the saphenous nerve (a branch of the femoral nerve that travels in the adductor canal).
Is the femoral nerve a sensory nerve?
The posterior division of the femoral nerve has a sensory nerve, four motor branches, and nerves to the hip and knee joints (articular branches). The sensory nerve is called the saphenous nerve and is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve.
What is the distribution of the femoral nerve?
It is derived from the anterior rami of nerve roots L2, L3 and L4. After arising from the lumbar plexus, the femoral nerve travels inferiorly through the psoas major muscle of the posterior abdominal wall. It supplies branches to the iliacus and pectineus muscles prior to entering the thigh.
What plexus does the femoral nerve arise from?
The femoral nerve ranks as the largest nerve that arises from the lumbar plexus. It is created from lumbar spinal nerves L2, L3, and L4. Its principal function is to supply motor and sensory innervation to the anterior compartment of the thigh.
How is femoral nerve entrapment treated?
In less severe cases, treatment of femoral nerve entrapment may be purely symptomatic. Quadriceps weakness may be treated with a locking knee brace to prevent instability, and the patient may require an assistive device for walking. Good recovery is achieved in as many as 70% of patients and may take as long as 1 year.
Does femoral nerve damage go away?
Femoral neuropathy, or femoral nerve dysfunction, occurs when you can’t move or feel part of your leg because of damaged nerves, specifically the femoral nerve. This can result from an injury, prolonged pressure on the nerve, or damage from disease. In most cases, this condition will go away without treatment.
How is a pinched femoral nerve treated?
You might have corticosteroid injections in your leg to reduce inflammation and get rid of any swelling that occurs. Pain medications can help relieve any pain and discomfort. For neuropathic pain, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or amitriptyline.
What are the symptoms of femoral nerve damage?
Symptoms
- Sensation changes in the thigh, knee, or leg, such as decreased sensation, numbness, tingling, burning, or pain.
- Weakness of the knee or leg, including difficulty going up and down stairs — especially down, with a feeling of the knee giving way or buckling.
What is the function of the femoral nerve?
The femoral nerve is one of the major nerves that innervates the legs. Its principal function is to carry instructions to the muscles that straighten the leg, such as the quadriceps, found in the anterior thigh.
What is the origin of the femoral nerve?
The femoral nerve is the largest nerve that originates from the lumbar spine from three vertebrae: L2, L3, and L4. Its complicated path takes it through the psoas muscle. This muscle is located behind the organs but in front of the spine, deep inside the body.
Where is the femoral nerve located?
The femoral nerve is located in the pelvis and the leg. It helps the muscles move the hip and straighten the leg. It provides feeling (sensation) to the front of the thigh and part of the lower leg.
What is lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome?
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome is a mononeuropathy characterized by dysesthesia or anesthesia in the anterolateral thigh.