Why is my leg numb on my outer, upper thigh?

Question

I recently had a microdiscectomy at L5-S1, my second one this year at that exact same disc. This time, however, I am experiencing a numb spot about the size of the palm of my hand on my outer, upper thigh; and, to top it off, I get a burning sensation in this spot whenever I lie on my back! The surgeon told me that this numbness is transient and will diminish in time, but my family doctor told me that he probably cut a small nerve during the procedure and that it will never go away. I'm not sure who to believe, but I know that this numbness and burning is annoying me to no end! Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Your symptom sounds like you're experiencing meralgia paresthetica caused by some kind of insult to your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.  This may have happened because of improper positioning during your surgery which may have pinched this nerve.  Usually this is transient.  It's unlikely that your surgeon can cut this nerve doing a microdiscectomy since the nerve is a long distance away.  How long since your surgery?  You may consider a neurologist to see confirm the diagnosis and get some treatment.