Low-Level Laser Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Introduction: Our purpose was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Background: In recent decades, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used to relieve pain caused by different musculoskeletal disorders. Though widely used, its reported therapeutic outcomes are varied and conflicting. Results similarly conflict regarding its usage in patients with nonspecific. chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). This study investigated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of NSCLBP by a systematic literature search with meta-analyses on selected studies. 

Method: The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases were searched systematically up to August 27, 2020. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis.

Results: A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 413 patients were analyzed. Compared with the  control  group, LLLT significantly increased the complete healing rate risk ratio [RR]=2.10,95% confidence interval [Cl]1.56-2.83, P<.00001), reduced the ulcer area (standardized mean difference [SMD]=3.52,95% Cl1.65-5.38,P=.0002), and shortened the mean healing time (SMD=-1.40,95%Cl-1.90to-0.91,P<.00001) of patients with DFUs.

Conclusions: LLLT is a promising and effective adjuvant treatment to accelerate the healing of DFUs.