Background: Meralgia paresthetica is a neuropathic pain syndrome caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). While often self-limited, a subset of patients develops persistent symptoms requiring interventional management. Ultrasound guidance has improved accuracy and safety in peripheral nerve blocks, but evidence from Internal Medicine-led procedures remains limited. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational case series including all patients aged ≥17 years who underwent ultrasound-guided LFCN blocks at Virgen del Rocío University Hospital between 2016 and 2024. Demographic data, comorbidities, procedural details, complications, and clinical outcomes were collected. Symptomatic response and recurrence were assessed descriptively. Results: Eleven patients were included (10 women; median age 56 years). The most frequent comorbidities were obesity (45.5%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (18.2%). Clinical improvement following LFCN block was achieved in 10 of 11 patients (91%). Three patients (27%) experienced recurrence, with a median time to recurrence of 24 months; two underwent a second successful block, and one showed spontaneous resolution. No major complications occurred, and only one patient developed a mild, self-limited local reaction. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided LFCN block is a safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective intervention for patients with persistent meralgia paresthetica. Outcomes achieved by an Internal Medicine specialist appear consistent with previously published reports from anesthesiology settings, underscoring the value of point-of-care ultrasound as a practical and precise tool for managing neuropathic pain within Internal Medicine settings.
Baron-Franco et al. (Sat,) studied this question.