Femoral Neuropathy

May occur in persons with diabetes mellitus or from compression by retroperitoneal neoplasms or hematomas

May also result from pressure from the inguinal ligament when the thighs are markedly flexed and abducted, as in the lithotomy position

The neuropathy may be asymptomatic, resolve rapidly and spontaneously, or become progressively more disabling

Weakness and wasting of the quadriceps muscle

Sensory impairment over the anteromedian aspect of the thigh and sometimes also of the leg to the medial malleolus

Depressed or absent knee jerk

Electromyography and nerve conduction velocities are often indispensable for accurate localization of the focal lesion

Improvement may occur if any compression is relieved