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A series of 74 cases of meralgia paresthetica is presented. All patients were satisfactorily treated with nonsurgical modalities. A brief review of the etiological factors involved supports the impression that it is an entrapment syndrome related primarily to external pressure against the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the region of the anterior superior iliac spine. Though its peripheral symptomatology is relatively straightforward, often associated pain referred to the gluteal area results in an incorrect diagnosis of sciatic radiculopathy due to "disc disease". The correct diagnosis can be easily made from the relief obtained by injecting the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with an anesthetic agent.

The effect of extradural corticosteroid injection in patients with nerve root compression syndromes associated with degenerative disease of the lumbar intervertebral discs was assessed in a double-blind controlled trial on 100 consecutive inpatients assigned by random allocation to treatment and control groups. Assessment during admission and at three months revealed statistically highly significant differences in respect of relief of pain and resumption of normal occupation in favour of the group treated by extradural injection. This treatment seems to be a valuable adjunct to the management of lumbar nerve root compression syndromes associated with degenerative disc disease.