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Presentation
Case Presentation - Radiating Leg Pain in an Obese Patient
American Academy of Physician Assistants / 40th Annual PA Conference (2016)
  • Anthony Searcy
  • Christopher Forest, California State University, Monterey Bay
Abstract
The patient was diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica (MP), compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve beneath the inguinal ligament which supplies sensation to superficial skin of thigh. There are no motor symptoms because the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is a purely sensory nerve. 

Dyesthesias are common; all other PE findings are typically normal. Iliotibial band syndrome typically presents with knee pain exacerbated by cycling or running downhill and tenderness to palpation of the lateral femoral epicondyle. Patients with greater trochanteric bursitis complain of pain frequently made worse when lying on the affected side. Lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy typically presents with back pain that radiates down the posterior and occasionally lateral thigh. 

Acknowledging that the incidence of MP is expected to increase as the prevalence of obesity and diabetes increase, it is important to recognize signs and symptoms early. Counseling may be warranted for patients who have diabetes or are obese. 


Keywords
  • Leg Pain,
  • Orthopedics,
  • Meralgia paresthetica
Publication Date
May, 2016
Location
San Antonio, TX
Citation Information
Anthony Searcy and Christopher Forest. "Case Presentation - Radiating Leg Pain in an Obese Patient" American Academy of Physician Assistants / 40th Annual PA Conference (2016)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/christopher-forest/55/