Femoral nerve dysfunction

Alternative names:

neuropathy - femoral nerve

Symptoms:

• sensation changes in the thigh, knee, or leg
  • numbness, decreased sensation
  • tingling, burning sensation
  • pain
  • abnormal sensations
  • a feeling of "the knee giving way"

• weakness of the knee or leg
  • difficulty ascending stairs
  • difficulty descending stairs (main problem)

Signs and tests:

A neuromuscular examination of the legs indicates femoral nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness on extension of the knee or flexion of the hips. Sensation changes are located in the lateral (outside) and anterior (front) thigh and medial (toward the center of the body) calf. The knee jerk reflex may be abnormal. There may be atrophy (loss of muscle mass) of the quadriceps muscles of the anterior (front) thigh.

Tests that reveal femoral nerve dysfunction may include:

• An EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
• nerve conduction tests

Tests are guided by the suspected cause of the dysfunction as suggested by the patient's history, symptoms presented, and pattern of symptom development. They may include various blood tests, X-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.