Ultrasound of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: normal findings in a cadaver and in volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of ultrasound (US) in visualizing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) in a cadaver and 8 volunteers. METHODS: Ultrasound and US-guided dye injection was performed in 1 cadaver to show the feasibility of detecting the LFCN. We then performed US in 8 volunteers to assess position of the nerve in respect to the anterior iliac spine. We subsequently performed US-guided anesthetic block of the LFCN on both sides with 0.3 mL local anesthetic. Success rate, time to maximum peak blockade, and duration of blockade were noted. RESULTS: Ultrasound allowed visualization of the LFCN in the cadaveric specimen on both sides and in all but 1 volunteer. Ultrasound-guided block of the LFCN was successful in all but 1 volunteer. The mean distance of LFCN from the anterior iliac spine was 2.9 cm on the right side and 2.8 cm on the left side. The mean duration of the block was 4.4 hours. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound enables visualization of the LFCN in a cadaver and in volunteers. Ultrasound-guided injection successfully blocked the LFCN.