Femoral Nerve Damage

The femoral nerve is present in the lumbar plexus. It passes through the leg muscles and it is responsible for the sensation in the front part of the thigh and lower leg. It is one of the most important nerves in the body. Damage to this nerve can have serious consequences.

The causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for this condition are described in the story ahead.

Damage to the Femoral Nerve

Causes
When the nerve is damaged due to some local cause, the condition is referred to as mononeuropathy. Direct injury or trauma to the leg can damage the nerve. Excessive or prolonged pressure on the nerve can lead to its dysfunction.

Nerve entrapment or compression of the nerve by surrounding parts of the body or by structures like tumors, abscesses can damage the nerve. If the nerve is suppressed due to pressure, it may not get sufficient oxygen.

Insufficient blood supply (ischemia) to the nerve can result in several health complications. Systemic disorders (like diabetes) which involve the whole body, can affect the function of the nerve. In mononeuritis multiplex, dysfunction of the nerve due to systemic disorder is noticed.

As the femoral nerve passes through muscles, it gets entrapped due to the pressure on it. This condition is quite common. Entrapment of the nerve results in damage to the myelin sheath (insulation around the nerve) or to the part of the axons (nerve fibers). This significantly affects the process of passing of impulses from the nerve.

Breaking of bones in the pelvic area can cause damage to the femoral nerve. Internal bleeding (bleeding in the abdominal area), use of tight or heavy waist belts can compress the nerve or its branches. Insertion of catheter in the groin or lying in a position with the thighs and legs stretched apart (as is many times required for certain surgical or diagnostic procedures) can cause damage to the nerve. Diseases like diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy and damaged femoral nerve.

Symptoms
Symptoms of femoral nerve dysfunction may vary according to the degree of damage. The person may notice one or more of the following symptoms.

• Weakened knee or leg
• Change in the sensation experienced in the thigh, inner calf, knee or leg
• Decreased sensation in the thigh, knee or leg

• muscle cramping
• sharp, jabbing pain
• numbness or tingling leg

Diagnosis and Treatment
MRI scan helps detect growth of tumors and lesions. Nerve conduction test and electromyography help diagnose femoral nerve damage. Depending upon the suspected cause, the doctor may order blood test, X-ray or other tests.

The treatment may vary according to the cause and symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms go away on their own. Patients may require assistance in increasing mobility. The treatment for damaged femoral nerve also includes surgical removal of tumors, taking corticosteroid injections to treat swelling in the area and pain killers to relieve pain.

Femoral nerve block is attained by an anesthetic injection into the groin. This procedure is essential during a surgery on the upper leg, hip or knee. It helps block other nearby nerves going towards the hip and it is essential while fixing broken hip or while fixing a new hip joint. Sometimes, nerve block is performed as it helps relieve pain during and after surgery.