title: Clinical Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation for Intractable Meralgia Paresthetica.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a neurologic disorder of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), which is characterized by a localized area of paresthesia and numbness on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. In most patients with MP, symptoms can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. However, in a small group of MP patients who are refractory to medical treatment, more aggressive low-risk treatment should be considered.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) neuromodulation of the LFCN in MP patients refractory to conservative treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 11 patients with medically intractable MP who underwent PRF neuromodulation of the LFCN. These patients with MP underwent a diagnostic LFCN block using 2.0% lidocaine. Temporary pain relief > 50% was considered to be a positive response to the diagnostic nerve block. Following a positive response to the diagnostic nerve block, patients underwent PRF neuromodulation at 42 degrees for 2 minutes. Patient pain was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). In MP patients who received PRF, we statistically evaluated VAS scores and the presence of any complications for 6 or more months after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean initial patient VAS score was 6.4 ± 0.97 cm. This score was decreased to 0.91 ± 0.70 cm, 0.82 ± 0.75 cm, and 0.63 ± 0.90 cm at the one-, 3-, and 6- month follow-ups, respectively (P < 0.001). Sixty-three point six percent of patients achieved complete pain relief (pain-free) in the last follow-up, whereas 27.3% of patients achieved successful pain relief (= 50% reduction in pain as determined by the VAS score). Furthermore, we did not observe any complications after the procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PRF neuromodulation of the LFCN provides immediate and long-lasting pain relief without complications. Therefore, PRF of the LCFN can be used as an alternative treatment in patients with MP who are refractory to conservative medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Jun
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyuk Jai
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Seo
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Kwang Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Do
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Kyung Hee Medical Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yong Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020428:Femoral Neuropathy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D061208:Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome