National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What type of nerve entrapment could lead to pain in the lateral thigh area?

1. Common peroneal nerve entrapment

2. Obturator nerve entrapment

3. Femoral nerve entrapment

4. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment

The correct answer is: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment is correct because this nerve primarily innervates the skin of the lateral thigh. Its entrapment can occur as it passes through the iliac crest or under the inguinal ligament, resulting in a condition known as meralgia paresthetica. Symptoms often include pain, burning, or tingling sensations in the lateral thigh, making this option the most relevant for addressing lateral thigh pain. In contrast, other nerves mentioned do not typically cause pain specifically localized to the lateral thigh. The common peroneal nerve primarily affects the lower leg and foot due to its role in foot dorsiflexion, while the obturator nerve innervates the medial thigh and the femoral nerve serves more of an anterior thigh role and sensation to the anterior aspects of the lower limb. Therefore, their entrapments would not result in lateral thigh pain.