What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Femoral Neuropathy

What is Femoral Nerve Dysfunction? (Definition/Background Information)

• Femoral Nerve Dysfunction is an uncommon neurological condition that arises from damage of the femoral nerve, which is a major nerve in the pelvic region running along the thigh to the lower leg. The condition is a form of isolated nerve dysfunction (IND), and is also known as Femoral Neuropathy
• The most common causes of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction include direct trauma to the lower limb, fractures, compression on the nerve, or nerve entrapment due to the presence of a tumor. This can lead to decreased sensation, numbness and tingling sensation in the affected region, and lower limb weaknesses
• The treatment for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction includes treating/managing the underlying cause, physical therapy, the administration of medications for symptom control, and surgery, if needed. The prognosis is generally good for mild to moderate cases with appropriate treatment; severe cases may cause irreversible nerve damage and associated complications

Who gets Femoral Nerve Dysfunction? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Femoral Nerve Dysfunction may be seen in individuals of any age group
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the risk factors for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction are wide-ranging and may include:

• Direct trauma to the region from a variety of factors such as:
  • Accidents
  • Sports injury
  • Fall injuries
  • Penetrating knife or gunshot wounds
  • Pelvic bone fracture
• Compression or pressure on the nerve from tumors in the region
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Internal bleeding in the pelvic region
• Medical procedures that involve placing a catheter in the groin area
• Autoimmune diseases and disorders that cause peripheral neuropathy
• Using tight belts or wearing tight skirts
• Maintaining lithotomy position (lying on one’s back) while undergoing a surgery/procedure
• Radiation therapy
• Obesity

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction? (Etiology)

Any damage to the femoral nerve can adversely affect the pelvis and the upper and lower portion of the leg, resulting in a set of signs and symptoms. This is known as Femoral Nerve Dysfunction. Commonly, the damage occurs from a trauma (cut injury or blunt force), nerve compression, or poor blood supply to the affected region.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction?

The signs and symptoms of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction may generally include:

• Dull or sharp pain; burning pain
• Groin and thigh pain
• Reduced sensation; feeling numb
• Loss of reflexes (such as knee jerk reflex)
• Pins and needles sensation
• Touch hypersensitivity
• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulty standing, walking, or moving; climbing up or down the stairs may be difficult
• Hip joint stiffness
• Muscle twitching and cramping

How is Femoral Nerve Dysfunction Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction by a healthcare professional may involve the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Nerve conduction velocity studies
• Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities
• Some possible tests for sensation such as temperature, touch, and vibration, to assess how well an individual feels or responds to stimuli
• Radiological imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans of the affected region, as necessary
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap test
• Tests and procedures to diagnose an underlying condition/disorder, if any present
• Biopsy of the nerve, if needed: A tissue biopsy of the affected nerve is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction?

The complications of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction depend on the severity and type of underlying condition, and a lack of appropriate treatment. It may include:

• Debilitating pain
• Constant tingling and numbness in the area surrounding the affected nerves
• Permanent loss of sensation in the affected region; this can result in repeat injury from lack of touch sensation
• Paralysis of the limb
• Inability to participate in sports activities
• Injury to the femoral artery or vein causing bleeding problems
• Decreased quality of life

How is Femoral Nerve Dysfunction Treated?

The treatment options for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction vary depending on the extent of nerve damage and symptom severity. It also depends on the underlying cause.

• Mild cases of the nerve dysfunction may be treated using cold compressions, anti-inflammatory agents, physical therapy, and stretching exercises, as needed
• Severe cases of nerve dysfunction may be treated with surgery based on the cause. Typically, the surgery will be performed for releasing of the nerve pressure
• Image-guided nerve block procedure, if necessary
• Limiting activities to prevent injury from a loss of sensation

In some individuals, the condition may heal spontaneously even in the absence of any treatment.

How can Femoral Nerve Dysfunction be Prevented?

It may not be possible to effectively prevent Femoral Nerve Dysfunction in many cases. However, the following steps may be considered:

• Undertaking appropriate treatment of any underlying condition that places one at higher risk for femoral nerve injury is helpful
• Avoiding any traumatic/repetitive injury that places one at an increased risk for the condition is also helpful
• Avoiding obesity and keeping diabetes under control through diet modification and sufficient physical exercise
• Avoiding the use of tight belts or wearing tight skirts for prolonged periods

What is the Prognosis of Femoral Nerve Dysfunction? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction is normally dependent on the cause and extent of the nerve damage but is mostly good with adequate treatment.

• If the damage is very severe, there may be permanent nerve damage leading to some form of paralysis in the region involved
• However, if the damage is not too severe, then with proper treatment, the condition should resolve within a short period and full recovery may be ensured

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Femoral Nerve Dysfunction:

Any injury to the nerves can lead to long-term damage if not treated immediately and properly.