Anterior Cutaneous Branches of the Femoral Nerve

rami cutanei anteriores nervi femoralis

The anterior cutaneous branches of the femoral nerve are medial and intermediate branches arising from the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle, penetrating the fascia lata to supply the skin of the anterior and anteromedial thigh from the inguinal crease to the knee. The medial branch contributes to the medial thigh skin and may communicate with the obturator nerve cutaneous branch. The intermediate branch (largest) supplies a longitudinal strip of anterior thigh skin.

Region: Thigh

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The anterior femoral cutaneous branches are important landmarks in femoral nerve block: the saphenous nerve (distal continuation of the femoral nerve) provides knee and medial leg sensation, while the anterior cutaneous branches supply the anterior thigh skin included in femoral nerve block for anterior thigh surgery and femoral shaft fracture pain management. Meralgia paraesthetica involves the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (not the anterior branches) and must be distinguished from anterior femoral cutaneous neuropathy. Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment (rare) produces diffuse anterior thigh numbness and pain.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block for Anterior Thigh Analgesia

Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block encompasses the anterior cutaneous branches of the femoral nerve to provide analgesia for anterior thigh surgical procedures and femoral shaft fractures; the block at the femoral triangle level anaesthetises all femoral nerve sensory branches including the anterior cutaneous and the saphenous nerve for comprehensive thigh analgesia.