Variant femoral nerve: the path beneath the iliacus muscle and into neuropathic symptoms

Abstract

Originating from the lumbar plexus, the typical course of the femoral nerve descends anterior to the iliacus, travels deep to the inguinal ligament, and then branches into anterior and posterior divisions responsible for innervating anterior thigh muscles (Fig. 1). Clinically, the spatial relationship of the iliopsoas complex and the femoral nerve has been described as an “entrapment-risk”, most often following medical or surgical interventions (Park et al. 2020). There have been differing symptoms reported from these previously reported variations. Documented symptoms related to variant femoral nerves include thigh weakness, thigh numbness, and difficulty standing