Combined anatomical variations of the genitofemoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and femoral nerve: observations from two cadaveric specimens.

BACKGROUND: Branches of the lumbar plexus, including the genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and femoral nerves (FN), exhibit well-known anatomical variations, but the coexistence of such variations in a single specimen is rarely documented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral dissections were performed on two formalin- fixed cadavers (one male and one female, aged 74 and 68 years at death, respectively) to expose the lumbar plexus. Morphometric data, including nerve diameters, distances from anatomical landmarks, and distances to branching points, were recorded. RESULTS: Specimen 1 (right side) showed a parallel course of the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve (GFN) and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). In the same specimen, the LFCN displayed a branching variation with multiple terminal branches. In Specimen 2, the LFCN could not be identified bilaterally, and the FN showed early bifurcation. Morphometric data quantified these variations: the GFN branched 13.2 mm proximal to the inguinal ligament; the LFCN pierced the psoas major muscle 28.5 mm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine; and the FN bifurcated at distances of 18.7 mm on the right and 20.1 mm on the left from its origin. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that lumbar plexus branches can exhibit complex combined variations in origin, course, branching pattern, and pelvic exit. Morphometric data provide additional details regarding these variant anatomies. Such variations should be considered during surgery, nerve block procedures, and evaluation of neuropathic symptoms. The coexistence of multiple well‑known variations in two specimens underscores the spectrum of lumbar plexus variability rather than describing entirely new patterns.