Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?

The symptom characteristic of compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is the burning pain over the anterolateral thigh. This nerve primarily provides sensory innervation to the skin on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. When it is compressed or irritated, patients typically experience dysesthesia, which can manifest as burning pain or paresthesia in this specific region.

Weakness of the quadriceps would indicate an issue with the femoral nerve, which innervates the quadriceps muscle responsible for knee extension. Loss of sensation in the calf suggests involvement of the tibial or common peroneal nerves, not the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Foot drop typically results from damage to the peroneal nerve, leading to weakness in ankle dorsiflexion. Thus, each of these options reflects symptoms associated with different nerves, while burning pain in the anterolateral thigh distinctly pertains to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.