Which of the following comorbidities is NOT associated with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury?

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, also known as meralgia paresthetica, is often associated with compression of the nerve, which can be influenced by various comorbidities. Among these, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy have well-documented connections to the condition.

Obesity increases the likelihood of nerve compression due to the excess adipose tissue that can exert pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it passes through the inguinal ligament. Similarly, in diabetes mellitus, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to nerve damage and neuropathy, potentially making the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve more susceptible to injury. During pregnancy, anatomical and physiological changes can lead to nerve compression as well.

Smoking, while it has various negative health effects and is associated with vascular injuries, is not specifically linked to lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. The risk factors for this type of nerve injury primarily involve mechanical compression rather than the vascular or metabolic effects typically discussed in context with smoking.

Therefore, the choice that does not correlate with an increased risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury is smoking, making it the correct response to the question.