Meralgia paresthetica, unspecified lower limb

This code represents a mononeuropathy characterized by numbness, tingling, burning pain, and sensory loss on the outer thigh. It results from compression or entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) as it passes through the inguinal ligament.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica without specifying laterality. This is appropriate when the provider's notes describe the characteristic symptoms and physical findings consistent with LFCN compression but do not specify whether it affects the left or right lower limb.

• Do not use this code if the laterality (left or right) is documented; instead, select the more specific G57.11 (right) or G57.12 (left).
• Ensure the documentation clearly links the symptoms to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve distribution.
• Consider codes for underlying causes (e.g., obesity, tight clothing, pregnancy) if documented and clinically relevant, but meralgia paresthetica is typically the primary diagnosis for the nerve condition itself.