at the inguinal ligament it forms two main branches, the genital and femoral branches
femoral branch travels lateral to the femoral artery and gives sensory innervation to the upper part of the femoral triangle
genital branch
in males, it travels through the inguinal canal, along with the spermatic cord, and supplies the cremaster muscle and the scrotal skin
in females, it ends in the skin of the mons pubis and labia majora
genitofemoral nerve is responsible for both the efferent and afferent limbs of the cremasteric reflex. The ilioinguinal nerve (L1) is also involved in the afferent limb of the reflex.
genitofemoral nerve injury is most commonly caused by surgical trauma
other causes reported include direct trauma to the inguinal region and tight clothing
clinical features
main presenting complaint is pain and a burning sensation in the groin, which radiates to the inner thigh. aggravating factors including walking, stooping and hyperextension of the hip
examination findings reveal tenderness and possible hyperaesthesia along the inguinal canal
provocative testing involves internal or external rotation of the hip joint
Reference:
1) Starling JR, Harms BA. Diagnosis and treatment of genitofemoral and ilioinguinal neuralgia. World J Surg 1989; 13: 586-9
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