MONOCROMATIC ENERGY INFRARED CONTACT IN THE TREATMENT OF SKIN ULCERS, DIABETIC N

Monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE™) is a therapy that uses pulsed infrared light at a wavelength of 880 nm through pads that contain an array of 60 superluminous infrared diodes. Use of MIRE™ has been proposed as a therapy for multiple conditions including cutaneous ulcers, diabetic neuropathy, and musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries. The available literature regarding skin contact MIRE as a technique to treat various cutaneous conditions consists of small controlled trials and observational studies. MIRE has also been investigated for knee osteoarthritis. The current evidence from the studies with the strongest methodology, ie, sham-controlled trials with a between-group design, shows no improvement in outcomes for patients treated with MIRE. This evidence does not support the efficacy of this technology. Well-designed, prospective, randomized controlled trials with larger subject numbers are needed to determine with certainty whether MIRE is an effective treatment for cutaneous conditions. As a result, this technology is considered investigational.