About this trial
The management of MP typically follows a conservative pathway, encompassing patient education, lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoidance of tight garments, weight loss), pharmacotherapy (such as neuropathic pain agents or corticosteroid injections), and physical therapy. However, evidence supporting the efficacy of these interventions is largely anecdotal or derived from low-quality studies, and a substantial proportion of patients experience persistent symptoms refractory to standard care.
Therefore, the primary objective of this randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded study is to investigate the efficacy of HPLT as an adjunct to standard conservative care on pain intensity, sensory symptoms, and functional capacity in patients with chronic Meralgia Paresthetica. The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving active HPLT will demonstrate significantly greater improvements in these outcomes compared to those receiving a sham laser procedure
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Adults aged 18-65 years.
Clinical diagnosis of MP (based on history: burning pain, tingling, numbness in the lateral thigh; tenderness over the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS); and a positive pelvic compression test or Tinel's sign over the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)).
Symptoms persistent for at least 3 months (chronic).
A baseline pain intensity of ≥4 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
Disqualifiers
Secondary MP (e.g., due to pelvic surgery, trauma, or tumor mass effect confirmed by imaging).
Significant lumbar radiculopathy (L1-L2).
Coagulopathy, use of anticoagulants.
Pregnancy.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- High-power laser
- Sham laser
- Standard Conservative Care
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Uşak University
Lead sponsor
Balikesir University
Collaborator