Coordination of Care Between a Primary Care Physician and a Chiropractic Resident for the Management of Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this case report is to describe the collaborative management between a primary care physician and a chiropractic resident in a large private-sector integrated healthcare system for the evaluation and treatment of a patient with meralgia paresthetica.

Clinical Features

A 46-year-old male presented to a Family Medicine department within a large integrated healthcare system’s outpatient clinic for an annual physical and evaluation in which he reported the presence of upper left anterior thigh numbness of 2 days duration.

Intervention and Outcome

The primary care physician and chiropractic resident collaborated on differential diagnosis and agreed upon a coordinated plan of care inclusive of a referral for chiropractic management. A case appropriate history and problem focused physical examination was conducted, which revealed clinical findings consistent with meralgia paresthetica. A treatment plan consisting of anti-inflammatory medication, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization techniques, patient education, and ergonomic instruction was initiated as part of an evidence-informed approach. The patient responded favorably to collaborative care and demonstrated improved patient reported outcomes as assessed with a verbal numerical rating scale.

Conclusion

The combined management demonstrated key themes of effective healthcare collaboration and resulted in the resolution of the patient's condition.