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

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) versus sham for pain, function, and nerve conduction in Meralgia Paresthetica (MP).

Design: Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

Methods: Patients with MP (n=62 randomized, n=54 analyzed) received 12 sessions of HILT (1064 nm, 12 W, 600 J/cm²) or identical sham over 4 weeks. Primary outcome: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Secondary outcomes: Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), lateral femoral cutaneous nerve sensory conduction velocity (SNCV), and SF-36, assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12.

Results: At week 12, HILT demonstrated significantly greater improvements versus sham in pain (NPRS, P=0.006), function (LEFS, P=0.043), and SNCV (P=0.027). SNCV showed small but significant between-group differences favoring HILT, though values remained within normal limits. Mild, transient adverse events occurred more frequently with HILT (16.1% vs. 0%, P=0.0525).

Conclusion: HILT significantly improved pain, function, and nerve conduction velocity compared to sham in MP patients over 12 weeks. These findings support HILT as a non-invasive treatment option; neurophysiological changes were small and within normative limits, warranting cautious interpretation.