Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Cryoneurolysis for Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Report-Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Cryoneurolysis for Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Cryoneurolysis for Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Pdf Summary

The article from the February 2024 issue of the AANA Journal discusses a successful case of treating meralgia paresthetica (MP) with cryoneurolysis. MP is a condition caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the thigh. Traditional treatments include medical management, nerve blocks, and surgery, but they often provide inadequate or short-lived relief.<br /><br />Cryoneurolysis, an emerging treatment, involves using low temperatures to reversibly damage sensory nerves, providing prolonged analgesia. It is performed under ultrasound guidance, which allows precise targeting of the affected nerve. The case report features a 64-year-old woman with a long-standing history of left thigh pain, worsened after a vehicle accident. Diagnostic blocks confirmed the involvement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Following cryoneurolysis, the patient experienced a 100% immediate reduction in pain, with lasting relief at 80% and 60% at one and three months post-procedure, respectively. This non-invasive technique significantly improved her quality of life.<br /><br />Cryoneurolysis may be a viable alternative for patients who don't respond well to conventional MP treatments. It offers a favorable safety profile, as it allows sensory nerve regeneration while maintaining long-lasting pain relief. The procedure is especially promising for superficial nerves identifiable via ultrasound.<br /><br />The article suggests cryoneurolysis for other neuropathic pain conditions, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing opioid usage and pain levels in various cases. The authors discuss its potential alongside other treatments like pulsed radiofrequency, emphasizing cryoneurolysis as a less painful, viable solution.<br /><br />Overall, the study underscores cryoneurolysis as an effective therapeutic option, advocating for its consideration before surgical interventions due to its non-invasive nature and extended analgesic effects.

Keywords

meralgia paresthetica

cryoneurolysis

lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

ultrasound guidance

neuropathic pain

non-invasive treatment

pain relief

nerve regeneration

opioid reduction

pulsed radiofrequency