Anatomical Variation Course of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve as It Exits the Pelvis in Thais from the Central Region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine in detail the course and location of lateral femoral cetaneous nerve (LFCN) as it emerges from the pelvis in Thais. The anatomy of the LFCN was studied through the dissection of 107 halves of formalin-embalmed Thai cadavers ranging in age from 37 to 94 years. The LFCN is formed by the union of posterior divisions of ventral rami of the second and third lumbar spinal nerves (L2-L3). The site at which the nerve exits the pelvis is quite variable. Depending on the anatomical location which varies from superficial and posterior, to medial and deep, to anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and origin of the sartorius muscle, five different types as identified by Aszman et all1 were confirmed : type A, posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine across the iliac crest (1.86%); type B, medial to the anterior superior iliac spine and ensheathed in the inguinal ligament (9.34%); type C, medial to the anterior superior iliac spine and ensheathed in the tendinous origin of the sartorius muscle (46.72%); type D, medial to the anterior superior iliac spine located in the interval between sartorius muscle and iliopsoas muscle deep to the inguinal ligament (40.18%); type E, medial to the anterior superior iliac spine, deep to the inguinal ligament, overlying the iliopsoas fascia, and contributing the femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve (1.46%). The majority of the LFCN course and location as it exits the pelvis are type C (46.72%), and type D (40.18%). There is no statistical difference with regard to either gender or side of thigh.