Femoral & Obturator Nerve Blocks
Femoral and obturator nerve blocks are targeted injections that block specific peripheral nerves supplying the hip joint, anterior thigh, and groin — providing both diagnostic information and therapeutic pain relief.
The Femoral Nerve
The femoral nerve is the primary motor and sensory nerve to the anterior thigh and one of the main sensory contributors to the hip joint. Femoral nerve blocks are used for:
- Acute or chronic hip pain with anterior thigh radiation
- Post-hip-replacement pain management
- Meralgia paresthetica — compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve causing burning thigh pain and numbness
- Quadriceps tendon or patellar pain with femoral nerve involvement
The Obturator Nerve
The obturator nerve provides sensation to the medial (inner) thigh and important motor innervation to the hip adductor muscles. Obturator nerve blocks are used for:
- Groin pain and medial thigh pain from hip joint pathology
- Post-total hip replacement groin pain
- Adductor spasm contributing to hip or pelvic pain
- Obturator neuralgia
Diagnostic Value
Hip pain can originate from the hip joint, the surrounding bursae, the lumbar spine, or from specific peripheral nerve compressions. When the source is unclear, selective femoral or obturator nerve blocks can confirm which nerve is contributing to a patient's pain — guiding further treatment.
The Procedure
Both blocks are performed under ultrasound guidance for precise nerve identification and safe injection. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes. Immediate improvement in pain after the block confirms the targeted nerve as a contributor.
Contact Us
For hip pain, groin pain, or anterior thigh pain that has not been clearly explained, call 516-492-3100 to discuss whether femoral or obturator nerve blocks are an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic step.