The anatomical variation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine and the iliac crest.

The location of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the iliac crest was investigated in 96 embalmed cadaveric specimens. Fifty-six nerves (58.3%) passed medial to the ASIS. Twenty-two nerves (22.9%) passed at the ASIS. Eighteen nerves (18.8%) passed lateral to the ASIS. The LFCN is usually located at 2.1 +/- 0.8 to 3.9 +/- 1.0 cm below the crest in the range of 2-5 cm lateral to the ASIS, respectively. When the anterior iliac crest bone graft harvesting is planned, the anatomical variation in this area should be concerned to reduce the risk of LFCN injury.