genitofemoral nerve injury

Last reviewed 01/2018

Genitofemoral nerve

• origin at the L1 and L2 level
  • at the inguinal ligament it forms two main branches, the genital and femoral branches
  • femoral branch travels lateral to the femoral artery and gives sensory innervation to the upper part of the femoral triangle
  • genital branch
    • in males, it travels through the inguinal canal, along with the spermatic cord, and supplies the cremaster muscle and the scrotal skin
    • in females, it ends in the skin of the mons pubis and labia majora
    • genitofemoral nerve is responsible for both the efferent and afferent limbs of the cremasteric reflex. The ilioinguinal nerve (L1) is also involved in the afferent limb of the reflex.
      
      
• genitofemoral nerve injury is most commonly caused by surgical trauma
  • other causes reported include direct trauma to the inguinal region and tight clothing
  • clinical features
    • main presenting complaint is pain and a burning sensation in the groin, which radiates to the inner thigh. aggravating factors including walking, stooping and hyperextension of the hip
    • examination findings reveal tenderness and possible hyperaesthesia along the inguinal canal
    • provocative testing involves internal or external rotation of the hip joint

Reference:

• 1) Starling JR, Harms BA. Diagnosis and treatment of genitofemoral and ilioinguinal neuralgia. World J Surg 1989; 13: 586-9