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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2019Morton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve. It is a common compressive neuropathy often causing significant pain which limits... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Morton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve. It is a common compressive neuropathy often causing significant pain which limits footwear choices and weight bearing activities. This paper aims to review non-surgical interventions for MN, to evaluate the evidence base for the clinical management of MN.
METHODS
Electronic biomedical databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane) were searched to January 2018 for studies evaluating the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for Morton's neuroma. Outcome measures of interest were treatment success rate (SR) (binary) and pain as measured using 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS) (continuous). Studies with and without control groups were included and were evaluated for methodological quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index. Results from randomised controlled trials (RCT) were compared between-groups, and case series were compared pre- versus post-treatment. Effect estimates are presented as odds ratios (OR) for binary data or mean differences (MD) for continuous data. Random effects models were used to pool effect estimates across studies where similar treatments were used. Heterogeneity was assessed using the statistic.
RESULTS
A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, seven RCTs and 18 pre/post case series. Eight different interventions were identified, with corticosteroid or sclerosing injections being the most often reported (seven studies each). Results from a meta-analysis of two RCTs found corticosteroid injection decreased pain more than control on VAS (WMD: -5.3, 95%CI: -7.5 to - 3.2). Other RCTs reported efficacy of: manipulation/mobilisation versus control (MD: -15.3, 95%CI: -29.6 to - 1.0); extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus control (MD: -5.9, 95%CI: -21.9 to 10.1). Treatment success was assessed for extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus control (OR: 0.3, 95%CI: 0.0 to 7.1); and corticosteroid injection vs footwear/padding (OR: 6.0, 95%CI: 1.9 to 19.2). Sclerosing and Botox injections, radiofrequency ablation and cryoneurolysis have been investigated by case series studies, however these were of limited methodological quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Corticosteroid injections and manipulation/mobilisation are the two interventions with the strongest evidence for pain reduction, however high-quality evidence for a gold standard intervention was not found. Although the evidence base is expanding, further high quality RCTs are needed.
Topics: Foot Orthoses; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Morton Neuroma; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Pain Management; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sclerotherapy
PubMed: 30809275
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-019-0320-7 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2020Shock wave therapy has seen widespread use since the 1990s to treat various musculoskeletal disorders including rotator cuff disease, but evidence of its efficacy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Shock wave therapy has seen widespread use since the 1990s to treat various musculoskeletal disorders including rotator cuff disease, but evidence of its efficacy remains equivocal.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the benefits and harms of shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease, with or without calcification, and to establish its usefulness in the context of other available treatment options.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP up to November 2019, with no restrictions on language. We reviewed the reference lists of retrieved trials to identify potentially relevant trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that used quasi-randomised methods to allocate participants, investigating participants with rotator cuff disease with or without calcific deposits. We included trials of comparisons of extracorporeal or radial shock wave therapy versus any other intervention. Major outcomes were pain relief greater than 30%, mean pain score, function, patient-reported global assessment of treatment success, quality of life, number of participants experiencing adverse events and number of withdrawals due to adverse events.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The primary comparison was shock wave therapy compared to placebo.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirty-two trials (2281 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Most trials (25) included participants with rotator cuff disease and calcific deposits, five trials included participants with rotator cuff disease and no calcific deposits, and two trials included a mixed population of participants with and without calcific deposits. Twelve trials compared shock wave therapy to placebo, 11 trials compared high-dose shock wave therapy (0.2 mJ/mm² to 0.4 mJ/mm² and above) to low-dose shock wave therapy. Single trials compared shock wave therapy to ultrasound-guided glucocorticoid needling, ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), no treatment or exercise; dual session shock wave therapy to single session therapy; and different delivery methods of shock wave therapy. Our main comparison was shock wave therapy versus placebo and results are reported for the 3 month follow up. All trials were susceptible to bias; including selection (74%), performance (62%), detection (62%), and selective reporting (45%) biases. No trial measured participant-reported pain relief of 30%. However, in one trial (74 participants), at 3 months follow up, 14/34 participants reported pain relief of 50% or greater with shock wave therapy compared with 15/40 with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.94); low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Mean pain (0 to 10 scale, higher scores indicate more pain) was 3.02 points in the placebo group and 0.78 points better (0.17 better to 1.4 better; clinically important change was 1.5 points) with shock wave therapy (9 trials, 608 participants), moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for bias). Mean function (scale 0 to 100, higher scores indicate better function) was 66 points with placebo and 7.9 points better (1.6 better to 14 better, clinically important difference 10 points) with shock wave therapy (9 trials, 612 participants), moderate-quality evidence (downgraded for bias). Participant-reported success was reported by 58/150 people in shock wave therapy group compared with 35/137 people in placebo group (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.91; 6 trials, 287 participants), low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). None of the trials measured quality of life. Withdrawal rate or adverse event rates may not differ between extracorporeal shock wave therapy and placebo, but we are uncertain due to the small number of events. There were 11/34 withdrawals in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group compared with 13/40 withdrawals in the placebo group (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.31; 7 trials, 581 participants) low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision); and 41/156 adverse events with extracorporeal shock wave therapy compared with 10/139 adverse events in the placebo group (RR 3.61, 95% CI 2.00 to 6.52; 5 trials, 295 participants) low-quality evidence (downgraded for bias and imprecision). Subgroup analyses indicated that there were no between-group differences in pain and function outcomes in participants who did or did not have calcific deposits in the rotator cuff.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the currently available low- to moderate-certainty evidence, there were very few clinically important benefits of shock wave therapy, and uncertainty regarding its safety. Wide clinical diversity and varying treatment protocols means that we do not know whether or not some trials tested subtherapeutic doses, possibly underestimating any potential benefits. Further trials of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease should be based upon a strong rationale and consideration of whether or not they would alter the conclusions of this review. A standard dose and treatment protocol should be decided upon before further research is conducted. Development of a core set of outcomes for trials of rotator cuff disease and other shoulder disorders would also facilitate our ability to synthesise the evidence.
Topics: Calcinosis; Exercise Therapy; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Middle Aged; Muscular Diseases; Patient Dropouts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rotator Cuff; Shoulder Pain; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Viscosupplements
PubMed: 32128761
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008962.pub2 -
BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care May 2021There is growing evidence of excess peripheral neuropathy in pre-diabetes. We aimed to determine its prevalence, including the impact of diagnostic methodology on... (Review)
Review
There is growing evidence of excess peripheral neuropathy in pre-diabetes. We aimed to determine its prevalence, including the impact of diagnostic methodology on prevalence rates, through a systematic review conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive electronic bibliographic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to June 1, 2020. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. An evaluation was undertaken by method of neuropathy assessment. After screening 1784 abstracts and reviewing 84 full-text records, 29 studies (9351 participants) were included. There was a wide range of prevalence estimates (2%-77%, IQR: 6%-34%), but the majority of studies (n=21, 72%) reported a prevalence ≥10%. The three highest prevalence estimates of 77% (95% CI: 54% to 100%), 71% (95% CI: 55% to 88%) and 66% (95% CI: 53% to 78%) were reported using plantar thermography, multimodal quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction tests, respectively. In general, studies evaluating small nerve fiber parameters yielded a higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathy. Due to a variety of study populations and methods of assessing neuropathy, there was marked heterogeneity in the prevalence estimates. Most studies reported a higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in pre-diabetes, primarily of a small nerve fiber origin, than would be expected in the background population. Given the marked rise in pre-diabetes, further consideration of targeting screening in this population is required. Development of risk-stratification tools may facilitate earlier interventions.
Topics: Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Prediabetic State; Prevalence; Research Design
PubMed: 34006607
DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-002040 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2004Morton's neuroma is a common, paroxysmal neuralgia affecting the web spaces of the toes, typically the third. The pain is often so debilitating that patients become... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Morton's neuroma is a common, paroxysmal neuralgia affecting the web spaces of the toes, typically the third. The pain is often so debilitating that patients become anxious about walking or even putting their foot to the ground. Insoles, corticosteroid injections, excision of the nerve, transposition of the nerve and neurolysis of the nerve are commonly used treatments. Their effectiveness is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the evidence from randomised controlled trials concerning the effectiveness of interventions in adults with Morton's neuroma.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group trials register (searched January 2003), MEDLINE (January 1966 to January Week 2 2003), EMBASE (January 1980 to February Week 2 2003), and CINAHL (January 1982 to February Week 1 2003).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised (methods of allocating participants to an intervention which were not strictly random e.g. date of birth, hospital record, number alternation) controlled trials of interventions for Morton's neuroma were selected. Studies where participants were not randomised into intervention groups were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers selected trials for inclusion in the review, assessed their methodological quality and extracted data independently.
MAIN RESULTS
Three trials involving 121 people were included. There is, at most, a very limited indication that transposition of the transected plantar digital nerve may yield better results than standard resection of the nerve in the long term. There is no evidence to support the use of supinatory insoles. There are, at best, very limited indications to suggest that dorsal incisions for resection of the plantar digital nerve may result in less symptomatic post-operative scars when compared to plantar excision of the nerve.
REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence with which to assess the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical interventions for Morton's neuroma. Well designed trials are needed to begin to establish an evidence base for the treatment of Morton's neuroma pain.
Topics: Foot Diseases; Humans; Metatarsalgia; Neuroma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Toes
PubMed: 15266472
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003118.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2008Symmetrical peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetic neuropathy. No treatments are known to be effective for progressive pain and sensory loss... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Symmetrical peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetic neuropathy. No treatments are known to be effective for progressive pain and sensory loss associated with diabetic neuropathy. Alternative effective treatment strategies have been sought.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials concerning the role of decompressive surgery of lower limbs for symmetrical diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Trials Register (May 2006), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2 2006), MEDLINE from (January 1966 to August 2006), EMBASE (from January 1980 to August 2006), LILACS (from January 1982 to August 2006), and CINAHL (from January 1982 to August 2006).
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomized or quasi-randomized controlled human trials in which any form of decompressive surgery of the lower limbs nerves had been used to treat diabetic symmetrical distal polyneuropathy (DSDP) compared with no treatment or medical therapy. Patients with DSDP were included if they had decompression (with or without neurolysis) of at least two of the following nerves in both lower limbs, for the treatment of DSDP: the posterior tibial nerve (including calcaneal, medial and lateral plantar nerves), deep peroneal nerve at the ankle, common peroneal nerve at the knee, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and sural nerves in the posterior calf region. The primary outcome measure was the change in pain measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) between the baseline and a follow-up period of greater than three months.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We identified 142 publications from the above search strategies. The three authors of this manuscript reviewed abstracts of all papers independently. Only eight of these were considered relevant to the question at hand. The data from these 8 studies were entered onto standardized data extraction forms. We planned to use Review Manager to pool the results from appropriate studies comparing the same treatments; dichotomous outcomes to obtain pooled relative risks (RR); measured outcomes to obtain pooled weighted mean differences; and a fixed-effect analysis unless there was evidence of serious heterogeneity between studies sufficient to justify the use of random-effects analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
This review failed to identify a single randomized controlled trial or any other well designed prospective study controlling for the non-operated limb that showed improvements in pre defined end points after decompressive surgery.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review suggest that the role of decompressive surgery for diabetic symmetric distal neuropathy is unproven.
Topics: Decompression, Surgical; Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Lower Extremity
PubMed: 18646138
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006152.pub2 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2009The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate current evidence in the literature on the efficacy of Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) in diagnosing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate current evidence in the literature on the efficacy of Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination (SWME) in diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
METHODS
The PubMed database was searched through August 2008 for articles pertaining to DPN and SWME with no language or publication date restrictions. Studies with original data comparing the diagnostic value of SWME with that of one or more other modalities for DPN in patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. Diagnostic values were calculated after classifying data by reference test, SWME methodology, and diagnostic threshold.
RESULTS
Of the 764 studies identified, 30 articles were selected, involving 8365 patients. There was great variation in both the reference test and the methodology of SWME. However, current literature suggests that nerve conduction study (NCS) is the gold standard for diagnosing DPN. Four studies were identified which directly compared SWME with NCS and encompassed 1065 patients with, and 52 patients without diabetes mellitus. SWME had a sensitivity ranging from 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44% to 68%) to 93% (95% CI, 77% to 99%), specificity ranging from 75% (95% CI, 64% to 84%) to 100% (95% CI, 63% to 100%), positive predictive value (PPV) ranging from 84% (95% CI, 74% to 90%) to 100% (95% CI, 87% to 100%), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranging from 36% (95% CI, 29% to 43%) to 94% (95% CI, 91% to 96%).
CONCLUSIONS
There is great variation in the current literature regarding the diagnostic value of SWME as a result of different methodologies. To maximize the diagnostic value of SWME, a three site test involving the plantar aspects of the great toe, the third metatarsal, and the fifth metatarsals should be used. Screening is vital in identifying DPN early, enabling earlier intervention and management to reduce the risk of ulceration and lower extremity amputation.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; Early Diagnosis; Evidence-Based Medicine; Foot; Humans; Mass Screening; Neural Conduction; Neurologic Examination; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Touch
PubMed: 19595541
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2009.05.017 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2017Plantar heel pain, commonly resulting from plantar fasciitis, often results in significant morbidity. Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Plantar heel pain, commonly resulting from plantar fasciitis, often results in significant morbidity. Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), orthoses, physical therapy, physical agents (e.g. extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), laser) and invasive procedures including steroid injections.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of injected corticosteroids for treating plantar heel pain in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, clinical trials registries and conference proceedings. Latest search: 27 March 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of plantar heel pain in adults were eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcome measures. We used a fixed-effect model unless heterogeneity was significant, when a random-effects model was considered. We assessed the overall quality of evidence for individual outcomes using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included a total of 39 studies (36 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 quasi-RCTs) that involved a total of 2492 adults. Most studies were small (median = 59 participants). Participants' mean ages ranged from 34 years to 59 years. When reported, most participants had heel pain for several months. The trials were usually conducted in outpatient specialty clinics of tertiary care hospitals in 17 countries. Steroid injection was given with a local anaesthetic agent in 34 trials. Follow-up was from one month to over two years. With one exception, trials were assessed at high risk of bias in one or more domains, mostly relating to lack of blinding, including lack of confirmation of allocation concealment. With two exceptions, we rated the available evidence as very low quality, implying in each case that we are 'very uncertain about the estimate'.The 39 trials covered 18 comparisons, with six of the seven trials with three or four groups providing evidence towards two comparisons.Eight trials (724 participants) compared steroid injection versus placebo or no treatment. Steroid injection may lead to lower heel pain visual analogue scores (VAS) (0 to 100; higher scores = worse pain) in the short-term (< 1 month) (MD -6.38, 95% CI -11.13 to -1.64; 350 participants; 5 studies; I² = 65%; low quality evidence). Based on a minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) of 8 for average heel pain, the 95% CI includes a marginal clinical benefit. This potential benefit was diminished when data were restricted to three placebo-controlled trials. Steroid injection made no difference to average heel pain in the medium-term (1 to 6 months follow-up) (MD -3.47, 95% CI -8.43 to 1.48; 382 participants; 6 studies; I² = 40%; low quality evidence). There was very low quality evidence for no effect on function in the medium-term and for an absence of serious adverse events (219 participants, 4 studies). No studies reported on other adverse events, such as post-injection pain, and on return to previous activity. There was very low quality evidence for fewer treatment failures (defined variously as persistent heel pain at 8 weeks, steroid injection at 12 weeks, and unrelieved pain at 6 months) after steroid injection.The available evidence for other comparisons was rated as very low quality. We are therefore very uncertain of the estimates for the relative effects on people with heel pain of steroids compared with other interventions in:1. Tibial nerve block with anaesthetic (2 trials); orthoses (4 trials); oral NSAIDs (2 trials); and intensive physiotherapy (1 trial).2. Physical modalities: ESWT (5 trials); laser (2 trials); and radiation therapy (1 trial).3. Other invasive procedures: locally injectable NSAID (1 trial); platelet-rich plasma injections (5 trials); autologous blood injections (2 trials); botulinum toxin injections (2 trials); cryopreserved human amniotic membrane injection (1 trial); localised peppering with a needle (1 trial); dry needling (1 trial); and mini scalpel needle release (1 trial).We are also uncertain about the estimates from trials testing different techniques of local steroid injection: ultrasonography-guided versus palpation-guided (5 trials); and scintigraphy-guided versus palpation-guided (1 trial).An exploratory analysis involving pooling data from 21 trials reporting on adverse events revealed two ruptures of plantar fascia (reported in 1 trial) and three injection site infections (reported in 2 trials) in 699 participants allocated to steroid injection study arms. Five trials reported a total of 27 participants with less serious short-term adverse events in the 699 participants allocated steroid injection study arms. Reported treatments were analgesia, ice or both. Given the high risk of selective reporting for these outcomes and imprecision, this evidence was rated at very low quality.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found low quality evidence that local steroid injections compared with placebo or no treatment may slightly reduce heel pain up to one month but not subsequently. The available evidence for other outcomes of this comparison was very low quality. Where available, the evidence from comparisons of steroid injections with other interventions used to treat heel pain and of different methods of guiding the injection was also very low quality. Although serious adverse events relating to steroid injection were rare, these were under-reported and a higher risk cannot be ruled out.Further research should focus on establishing the effects (benefits and harms) of injected steroids compared with placebo in typical clinical settings, subsequent to a course of unsuccessful conservative therapy. Ideally, this should be preceded by research, including patient involvement, aimed to obtain consensus on the priority questions for treating plantar heel pain.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anesthetics, Local; Foot Diseases; Heel; Humans; Middle Aged; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pain; Pain Measurement; Publication Bias; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 28602048
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009348.pub2 -
Orthopedic Reviews 2022Posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome involves entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels in the groove posterior to the medial malleolus. Conventional wisdom...
INTRODUCTION
Posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome involves entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels in the groove posterior to the medial malleolus. Conventional wisdom dictates that patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome be treated with conservative treatment and medical management, with surgical options available for patients with refractory symptoms and good candidacy. Minimally invasive options for neuropathic entrapment syndromes have developed in recent years and may provide a therapeutic role in tarsal tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The present investigation provides a summary of the current state of knowledge on tarsal tunnel syndrome and a comparison between minimally invasive and surgical treatment options.
METHODS
The literature search was performed in Mendeley. Search fields were varied until redundant. All articles were screened by title and abstract and a preliminary decision to include an article was made. A full-text screening was performed on the selected articles. Any question regarding the inclusion of an article was discussed by 3 authors until an agreement was reached.
RESULTS
Most commonly tarsal tunnel syndrome is idiopathic. Other reported causes include post-traumatic, lipomas, cysts, ganglia, schwannomas, ganglia, varicose plantar veins, anatomic anomalies, and systematic inflammatory conditions. Several risk factors have been described including female gender, athletic participation, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, systemic sclerosis, chronic renal failure, and hemodialysis use. A few recent studies demonstrate anatomic variants that have not previously been summarized. Three articles describe clinical outcomes after conservative treatment with acceptable results for first line treatment. Two primary articles report on the use of minimally invasive treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Fourteen articles report on the clinical outcomes after surgical management.
CONCLUSION
Clinical understanding of tarsal tunnel syndrome has evolved significantly, particularly with regards to the pathoanatomy of the tarsal canal over the past twelve years. A few novel anatomic studies shed light on variants that can be helpful in diagnosis. Conservative management remains a good option that can resolve the symptoms of many patients. As more prospective cohorts and clinical trials are performed on minimally invasive options, pulsed radiofrequency and neuromodulation may evolve to play a larger role in the treatment of this condition. Currently, surgical treatment is only pursued in a very select group of patients with refractory symptoms that do not respond to medical or minimally invasive options. Surgical outcomes in the literature are good and current evidence is stronger than that for minimally invasive options.
PubMed: 36072502
DOI: 10.52965/001c.37539 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023This systematic review documents the protocol characteristics of studies that used neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocols (NMES) on the plantar flexors [through...
This systematic review documents the protocol characteristics of studies that used neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocols (NMES) on the plantar flexors [through triceps surae (TS) or tibial nerve (TN) stimulation] to stimulate afferent pathways. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, was registered to PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022345194) and was funded by the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Technology (ERA-NET NEURON JTC 2020). Included were original research articles on healthy adults, with NMES interventions applied on TN or TS or both. Four databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched, in addition to a manual search using the citations of included studies. Quality assessment was conducted on 32 eligible studies by estimating the risk of bias with the checklist of the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Eighty-seven protocols were analyzed, with descriptive statistics. Compared to TS, TN stimulation has been reported in a wider range of frequencies (5-100, vs. 20-200 Hz) and normalization methods for the contraction intensity. The pulse duration ranged from 0.2 to 1 ms for both TS and TN protocols. It is concluded that with increasing popularity of NMES protocols in intervention and rehabilitation, future studies may use a wider range of stimulation attributes, to stimulate motor neurons via afferent pathways, but, on the other hand, additional studies may explore new protocols, targeting for more optimal effectiveness. Furthermore, future studies should consider methodological issues, such as stimulation efficacy (e.g., positioning over the motor point) and reporting of level of discomfort during the application of NMES protocols to reduce the inherent variability of the results.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Afferent Pathways; Checklist; Electric Stimulation; Fishes; Leg; Tibial Nerve
PubMed: 36850945
DOI: 10.3390/s23042347 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Dec 2015Absence of plantar sensation is a critical factor considered in favor of amputation for patients with lower limb-threatening injuries. This study aims to assess outcomes... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Absence of plantar sensation is a critical factor considered in favor of amputation for patients with lower limb-threatening injuries. This study aims to assess outcomes of limb salvage in a group of patients with severe lower extremity injuries associated with posterior tibial nerve transection.
METHODS
The authors studied eight cases of limb salvage after traumatic injuries with documented tibial nerve laceration managed at Ganga Hospital, India. Functional and health-related quality-of-life outcomes were assessed. Outcomes from this case series were compared to outcomes of studies from a systematic literature review on salvage of the severely injured lower extremity.
RESULTS
Patients in this case series reported mild pain (median score, 20 on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100), with some return of plantar sensation in patients with tibial nerve repairs (median score, 2 of 5). Patients demonstrated a decrease in ankle motion (27.5 degrees' plantar flexion and 10 degrees' extension) and muscle strength (median heel flexor score, 3 of 5). All patients could ambulate independently. Quality of life and function measured by validated instruments revealed minimal disability. The authors identified 1767 articles on lower extremity trauma, and 14 articles were reviewed systematically. Relative to the case series, published articles reported similarly diminished ankle motion and muscle strength, with reports of mild pain in select studies. Patient-reported outcomes instruments found variations in the degree of physical disability based on the time from injury.
CONCLUSION
Although limited in number, this case series demonstrates the value of limb salvage even for patients with posterior tibial nerve injury.
Topics: Adult; Hospitals; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Leg Injuries; Limb Salvage; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Trauma; Tibial Nerve; Young Adult
PubMed: 26270902
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000001814