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The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is a purely sensory nerve that typically arises from the dorsal divisions of the L2 and L3 ventral rami. The nerve courses through the pelvis and usually exits beneath the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) before supplying cutaneous sensation to the anterolateral and lateral thigh (see Image. Superficial Vessels and Nerves of the Upper Thigh). The principal clinical condition associated with LFCN pathology is meralgia paresthetica, a compressive mononeuropathy characterized by dysesthesia or sensory loss within the LFCN distribution. Common risk factors include obesity, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, tight clothing, and iatrogenic injury during pelvic or hip surgery.[1] Surgical significance arises from the nerve’s highly variable anatomy and proximity to the ASIS and inguinal ligament, which place it at risk during anterior hip approaches, pelvic and abdominal procedures, iliac crest bone grafting, and regional anesthesia. Detailed knowledge of the nerve’s origin, course, branching patterns, and functional characteristics improves diagnostic accuracy, guides safe surgical dissection and nerve block techniques, and reduces the risk of iatrogenic injury.