High-power laser treatment for meralgia paresthetica
The Efficacy of High-Power Laser Therapy as an Adjunct to Conservative Management in Patients With Meralgia Paresthetica: A Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Controlled Trial
This trial will try high-power laser therapy alongside usual care to see if it reduces pain, tingling, and functional limits in adults with chronic meralgia paresthetica.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Uşak University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Uşak) |
| Trial ID | NCT07328360 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded design, adults with chronic meralgia paresthetica will receive either active high-power laser therapy or a sham procedure in addition to standard conservative care. Primary outcomes include changes in pain intensity, dysesthetic sensory symptoms, and functional capacity measured over the treatment and follow-up period. Eligible participants are 18–65 years old with at least three months of symptoms and a baseline pain score ≥4, while those with secondary causes, significant lumbar radiculopathy, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or implanted pacemakers are excluded. The trial is conducted at Uşak University with collaboration from Balikesir University and uses standardized treatment protocols and blinded outcome assessment to limit bias.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with clinically diagnosed chronic meralgia paresthetica lasting ≥3 months and baseline pain ≥4 on the NRS are the target participants.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary meralgia paresthetica (for example due to surgery or tumor), significant lumbar radiculopathy, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, pacemakers, or active skin disease at the treatment site are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, high-power laser therapy could reduce pain and sensory symptoms and improve daily function without resorting to invasive surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Some small trials of laser therapy for peripheral neuropathic pain have reported benefit, but high-power laser treatment specifically for meralgia paresthetica has limited prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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). Exclusion Criteria: * 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. * Skin disease or infection in the treatment area. * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker. * Severe cognitive impairment.
Where this trial is running
Uşak
- Usak University — Uşak, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ali Y Karahan, Prof.
- Email: ali.karahan@usak.edu.tr
- Phone: +9053869219134
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.