Variations in the Anatomical Pattern of the Genitofemoral and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerves - Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Aim and objective: This study aims to determine the level of origin, branching pattern, and exit in relation to the psoas major muscle of the lateral femoral cutaneous, and genitofemoral nerves. Additionally, we determine the intraabdominal course, relations, and branching pattern of these nerves. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty-four lateral femoral cutaneous, and genitofemoral nerves of the lumbar plexus were dissected. The level of origin, branching, and exits in relation to the psoas major muscle were carefully examined. Moreover, we noted each nerve's unique origin, course, branching pattern and their relations. All these observations were recorded through photography. Results: In 2 cases (8.33%), we found accessory lateral femoral cutaneous nerves. 4 cases (16.67%) showed that the genital and femoral branches of the genitofemoral nerve had separate origins. The present study observed rare variations in the genital branch’s anatomical pattern and relations. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this type of intraabdominal course and branching pattern in the genital branch of the genitofemoral and accessory lateral femoral cutaneous nerves have not been documented in any published data. Knowledge of anatomical variations in the course, branches, and their relations in the intraabdominal segments of the genitofemoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves is helpful for the proper clinical diagnosis and surgical procedures to avoid injuries and complications to the nerve.

Keywords

• anatomic variation
• accessory nerve
• genitofemoral nerve
• lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• lumbar plexus