Femoral Nerve

NEURAL PATHWAY

The femoral nerve is the largest branch of the lumbar plexus.

L2,L3,L4 Spinal Nerves→Lumbar Plexus → Femoral Nerve

Anatomical location of the femoral nerve (source)
Anatomical location of the femoral nerve (source)

The femoral nerve will give rise to the saphenous nerve.

FUNCTION

Leg flexion at the hip

Leg extension at the knee

Sensory innervation of the leg (shown above).

CAUSE OF INJURY

 

CLINICAL PRESNENTATION

 

OTHER INFO

Optimal site for femoral nerve block is the inguinal crease a at the lateral border of the femoral artery. This type of nerve block will anesthetize the skin and muscles of the anterior thing, femur, and knee. The sensory distribution of the saphenous nerve will also be anesthetized (given it is a branch from the femoral) which includes the medial aspect of the lower leg.

The ideal site of a femoral nerve block is just lateral to the femoral artery, right at the inguinal crease (source)
The ideal site of a femoral nerve block is just lateral to the femoral artery, right at the inguinal crease (source)

 

Page Updated: 08.09.2016