Procedure Description
A lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block is a minimally invasive injection used to diagnose and treat pain or numbness caused by irritation or entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This sensory nerve originates from the lower spine and travels through the pelvis to supply sensation to the outer thigh.
When compressed or irritated—a condition known as meralgia paresthetica—the nerve can cause burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh. A nerve block involves injecting a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid near the nerve to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
What It Treats
LFCN blocks are commonly used to manage:
Meralgia paresthetica
Nerve irritation from tight clothing, belts, or seatbelts
Compression due to pregnancy, obesity, or recent surgery
Post-surgical thigh pain (e.g., after hip surgery or bone graft harvest)
Diagnostic evaluation to confirm the source of thigh sensory symptoms
Symptoms typically include:
Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh
Worsening discomfort when standing, walking, or wearing tight clothing
Minimal or no weakness (as the LFCN is a sensory nerve only)
How It Is Performed
You will lie on your back with your hip and thigh slightly exposed.
The skin near the inguinal ligament (groin area) is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
Using ultrasound or anatomical landmarks, your provider locates the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it passes near the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
A thin needle is carefully inserted, and a small amount of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected near the nerve.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
The entire procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes and is done in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
No fasting is required unless sedation is planned (rare for this procedure).
Continue your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.
Inform your provider if you:
Are taking blood thinners
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a bleeding disorder, skin infection, or allergy to anesthetics or steroids
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, ideally allowing easy access to the upper thigh area.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience immediate numbness or pain relief in the outer thigh area.
Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site is common and typically resolves within 1–2 days.
Relief may last from several days to weeks or longer, depending on the underlying cause.
If significant temporary relief is achieved, your provider may consider repeating the injection or performing a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the nerve for longer-term relief.
You can usually resume normal activities the same day, avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Call your provider if you experience:
Severe pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
Persistent numbness, weakness, or worsening symptoms
A Safe, Precise Option for Outer Thigh Nerve Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer image-guided lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks to help patients experiencing burning, tingling, or numbness in the thigh regain comfort and mobility. Whether due to nerve compression, injury, or post-surgical irritation, this targeted treatment may offer lasting relief.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to find out if an LFCN block is right for your thigh pain.