Meralgia Paresthetica Review: Update on Presentation, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

Characteristics, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica: a descriptive cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica (MP) for reliability, quality, and differences between quality levels.

METHODS

We analyzed 59 videos related to MP. We evaluated several video characteristics, including views, likes, dislikes, duration, and speaker profile. We used view ratio, like ratio, Video Power Index (VPI), Global Quality Scale (GQS), JAMA criteria, and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) to assess viewer engagement, popularity, educational quality, and reliability.

RESULTS

The videos received a total of 4,009,141 views (average 67,951.54), with 25.4% focused on exercise training and 23.7% focused on disease information. Mean scores were mDISCERN 2.4, GQS 2.8, and JAMA 2.1. Physician-led videos had higher mDISCERN scores, while allied health worker-led videos had more views, likes, dislikes, view ratios, and VPI. Poor and high-quality videos differed in views, likes, view ratio, VPI, and duration. Positive correlations existed among mDISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores, with video duration positively correlated with GQS.

CONCLUSION

The content of YouTube videos discussing diseases significantly influences viewer engagement and popularity. To enhance the availability of valuable content on YouTube, which lacks a peer review process, medical professionals must contribute high-quality educational materials tailored to their target audience.

Exoscope for revision of right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve decompression

The exoscope serves as a valuable addition or alternative to traditional microscope systems in surgery, offering 3D visualization and magnification with enhanced maneuverability. In lateral femoral cutaneous nerve decompression for meralgia paresthetica, the exoscope is effective in identifying strictures of neural compression and minimizing iatrogenic nerve damage that may lead to improved pain management outcomes for patients. In this report, the specific case presented showcases how the exoscope aided in surgical decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of a patient with refractory meralgia paresthetica with remote previous decompression and resultant scarring. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23162.