Archive Copy 2004: Assessing Nerve Compression Syndromes

Kornbluth & Malone 2006
Meralgia paresthetica is a common but underrecognized condition that is manifested by pain, numbness, and tingling in the anterior and lateral parts of the thigh. Bernhardt first described symptoms corresponding to meralgia paresthetica in 1878. In 1885, Hagar correctly suggested that lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression was the source of this symptom complex; surgical correction of meralgia paresthetica also dates back to Hagar at this time. A decade later, Roth coined the term meralgia paresthetica from the Greek words meros (thigh) and algos (pain).
Synonyms and related keywords: lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neuropathy, neuropraxic injury, axonotmesis, neurotmesis, thigh pain, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression, leg neuropathy, thigh neuropathy

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is pain or an irritating sensation felt over the anterior or anterolateral aspect of the thigh due to injury, compression, or disease of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Early investigators of MP include Bernhardt, who first described the condition in 1878; Hagar, who attributed the pain to compression of the LFCN; and Roth, who coined the term meralgia paresthetica (thigh pain).
Diagnosis of MP is based on history and examination. Nerve conduction studies are used to verify the presence of the neuropathy and rule out other causes for the symptoms. Treatment for uncomplicated or benign forms of MP includes conservative measures initially, followed by surgical intervention for chronic discomfort. Malignant pathologic processes can produce symptoms of MP and, therefore, must be ruled out before conservative treatments are initiated.
Synonyms and related keywords: meralgia paresthetica, Bernhardt-Roth syndrome, lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy
Christopher Luzzio, MD 2007

Nerve Compression Syndromes Therapy Desensitization exercises & Therapy
Median
Carpal Tunnel
Pronator Syndrome
Radial
Radial Tunnel
Superficial Radial Nerve
Ulnar
Guyon's Canal
Cubital: Subcutaneous Transposition
Cubital: Submuscular Transposition
Nerve Compression Syndromes Therapy

The brain and spinal cord receive and send information through muscles and sensory receptors. The information sent to organs is transmitted through nerves. The nerves travel to the upper and lower extremities and traverse the various joints along their paths. Unfortunately, these nerves can become compressed or entrapped at various regions of the extremities.
This article covers some basic principles of entrapment neuropathies, and, within each section, the specifics of the most common entrapment syndromes are summarized. Together, this information should provide the reader with a solid basis for further investigation.
Synonyms and related keywords: nerve entrapment syndromes, nerve compression, chronic nerve injury, entrapment, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, meralgia paresthetica, decompression, nerve decompression, nerve entrapment, entrapment neuropathies, chronic compression, carpal tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, PIN, suprascapular nerve entrapment, tarsal tunnel syndrome
Harrop et al 2007

Review of nerve entrapments syndromes from groin to foot
Synonyms and related keywords: iliohypogastric nerve entrapment, ilioinguinal nerve entrapment, genitofemoral nerve entrapment, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment, femoral nerve entrapment, saphenous nerve entrapment, obturator nerve entrapment, peroneal nerve entrapment, posterior tibial nerve entrapment, tarsal tunnel syndrome, superficial peroneal nerve entrapment, deep peroneal nerve entrapment, interdigital neuritis, Morton metatarsalgia, meralgia paresthetica, Morton neuroma, slimmer's paralysis, strawberry picker's palsy, Tinel sign, heel pain triad
Hollis, Lemay & Jensen 2008

Radial nerve compression or injury may occur at any point along the anatomic course of the nerve and may have varied etiologies. The most frequent site of compression is in the proximal forearm in the area of the supinator muscle and involves the posterior interosseous branch. However, problems can occur proximally in relation to fractures of the humerus at the junction of the middle and proximal thirds, as well as distally on the radial aspect of the wrist.
Synonyms and related keywords: radial nerve palsy, radial tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, Wartenberg's syndrome, Wartenberg syndrome, Holstein-Lewis fracture, neuropraxia, neurotmesis, axonotmesis
Author: Mark Stern, MD 2008

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by compression of the tibial nerve or its associated branches as the nerve passes underneath the flexor retinaculum at the level of the ankle or distally.
Synonyms and related keywords: tarsal tunnel neuropathy, entrapment neuropathy of the tibial nerve, posterior tibial neuropathy, compression of the tibial nerve
Gianni Persich, DPM & Steven Touliopoulos, MD 2007