Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Meralgia Paresthetica: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate high-intensity laser therapy versus sham for pain, function, and nerve conduction in meralgia paresthetica.

DESIGN

This is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients with meralgia paresthetica ( n  = 62 randomized, n  = 54 analyzed) received 12 sessions of high-intensity laser therapy (1064 nm, 12 W, 600 J/cm 2 ) or identical sham over 4 wks. Primary outcome is as follows: Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes are as follows: Lower Extremity Functional Scale, lateral femoral cutaneous sensory nerve conduction velocity, and Short Form-36 Health Survey, assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12.

RESULTS

At week 12, high-intensity laser therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvements versus sham in pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, P  = 0.006), function (Lower Extremity Functional Scale, P  = 0.043), and sensory nerve conduction velocity ( P  = 0.027). Sensory nerve conduction velocity showed small but significant between-group differences favoring high-intensity laser therapy, although values remained within normal limits. Mild, transient adverse events occurred more frequently with high-intensity laser therapy (16.1% vs. 0%, P  = 0.0525).

CONCLUSIONS

High-intensity laser therapy significantly improved pain, function, and nerve conduction velocity compared with sham in meralgia paresthetica patients over 12 wks. These findings support high-intensity laser therapy as a noninvasive treatment option; neurophysiological changes were small and within normative limits, warranting cautious interpretation.