Premium
Femoral mononeuropathy induced by the lithotomy position: A report of 5 cases with a review of literature
Author(s) -
Hakim Mazen Al,
Katirji M. Bashar
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880160902
Subject(s) - lithotomy position , mononeuropathy , medicine , obturator nerve , surgery , pathology , alternative medicine , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , peripheral neuropathy
We report 5 young women who developed femoral mononeuropathy (FMN) after placement in the lithotomy position. Three had uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and 2 underwent exploratory laparoscopies. EMG was performed on 3 patients. The lesions were localized to the inguinal ligament and probably demyelinating, accounting for their excellent prognosis. On reviewing the literature, however, we believe that lithotomy position can cause FMN, not only by nerve compression at the inguinal ligament, but also by stretching of the nerve by excessive hip abduction and external rotation. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.