Analysis of outcome reporting in lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy studies: A systematic review of the literature

PurposeAs a first step towards developing a core outcome set (COS) for lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy, the goal of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to identify outcome measures that have been previously reported in studies on lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy.MethodsA systematic review of the literature from 2000-2024 was performed utilizing PubMed and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Identified articles were screened according to study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Outcome measures reported in each included study were recorded and categorized into motor, sensory, pain, patient-reported outcomes, psychological, electrodiagnostic outcomes, imaging outcomes, and other outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed.ResultsA total of 80 articles were initially identified, and 10 articles met criteria for inclusion and underwent analysis. The most common outcome domain was patient-reported outcomes, which were reported in 7 (70%) studies. However, the specific patient-reported outcomes were very heterogeneous. A pain outcome was reported in 6 (60%) studies. Motor, psychological, imaging, and electrodiagnostic outcomes were not reported in any study. Across the included studies, 14 unique outcomes were reported.ConclusionsWe have identified the outcome measures that have previously been utilized in studies on lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy. Patient-reported and pain outcomes were most commonly used across the included studies.