Positive Tinel's Sign Research Articles

Schwannomas of the sciatic nerve: A rare and neglected diagnosis. A review of the literature with two illustrative cases

ObjectiveSchwannomas of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve of the human body, are very rare accounting for ≤ 1% of all schwannomas. They often may raise confusion with other more common causes of sciatica, such as lumbar degenerative and inflammatory diseases or spinal tumors, which may often lead to a late correct diagnosis. Patients and methodsWe present two cases of sciatic nerve schwannomas that were recently treated at our Institution, and we review the pertinent English literature on this topic over the last 15 years, yielding twenty three cases to analyze. ResultsEven if sciatic nerve schwannomas are a rare occurrence, a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation of the sciatic nerve should be considered whenever a sciatic pain is not otherwise explained. A positive Tinel sign and a palpable mass along the course of the sciatic nerve may be strong clues to achieve the diagnosis. Combined morphological and advanced functional MRI imaging may help to differentiate benign from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, avoiding unnecessary preoperative biopsy. ConclusionsA standard microsurgical technique guided by ultrasound and neurophysiologic monitoring, allows in most of the cases a safe removal of the tumor and very satisfactory post-operative results for the patients.

Fingertip Reconstruction Using a Lateral Flap Based on the Distal Transverse Arch of the Digital Artery.

Fingertip defect is more common in emergency hand trauma in the hospital, and most of them are accompanied by defects of the phalanx and nail bed. There are many methods in clinic for the repair of Yamano zone I fingertip injury. This article reports the repair of this type of injury using a lateral flap based on the distal transverse arch of the digital artery. From January 2015 to May 2018, the flap was used in 32 digits of 32 patients who had a fingertip injury. There were 23 men and 9 women with a mean age of 37.6 years. The injured fingers requiring reconstruction included 6 thumb, 11 index fingers, 9 middle fingers, 4 ring fingers, and 2 little fingers. Soft tissue defect range from 1.5 cm × 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm × 2.1 cm. The time of injury to emergency surgery was 1 to 7.5 hours, with a mean time of 3.2 hours. Fingertip reconstruction was performed using a lateral flap based on the distal transverse arch of the digital artery. All flaps survived completely after 1 to 1.5 years of follow-up, without evidence of postoperative insufficiency of blood supply or venous congestion. Healing of all donor sites was uncomplicated. No infectious complications were observed. The range of motion of the 32 fingers was excellent; For sweating, 17 fingers were excellent, 10 were good, and 5 were fair (poor sweating was found in the grafting site of the finger). The mean static 2-point discrimination scores on the reconstructed pulp were 5.2 mm (range, 3-9 mm). According to the Cold Intolerance Severity Score, 28 patients reported no cold intolerance, 3 reported mild cold intolerance, and 1 reported moderate cold intolerance. On the basis of the visual analog scale, 30 patients had no pain, 1 reported mild pain, and 1 experienced moderate pain. Positive Tinel sign was found in only 1 reconstructed finger. It is a new surgical technique that provides good shape and sensory function to the fingers and is simple to operate.

Prevalence of Occipital Neuralgia at a Community Hospital-based Headache Clinic.

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a paroxysmal disorder involving lancinating pain that originates in the neck or skull base with superior radiation toward the apex. ON more commonly occurs in patients with other coexisting headache disorders. There are limited data regarding the prevalence of ON. This study aims to demonstrate the prevalence of ON in a community hospital-based headache clinic. This IRB-approved retrospective study was conducted at the Cambridge Health Alliance Headache Clinic. Medical records of patients presenting with headache as a chief complaint were reviewed from January 2010 to September 2015. Of 800 study patients, 81% were females (n = 648). A total of 195 patients were diagnosed with ON, and 146 patients had a positive occipital Tinel sign on examination. Isolated ON was present in 15.38% (n = 30) of patients. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the odds of ON were higher in patients with chronic migraine vs episodic migraine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.190 [95% confidence interval: 1.364-3.515]), even when adjusted for significant covariates. ON occurred in nearly 25% of patients presenting with a chief complaint of headache to a community hospital-based headache clinic. Among patients with ON, 15% presented with ON as the chief complaint without another coexisting headache disorder. As such, up to 85% of ON cases occurred in patients having an additional headache type. Approximately 75% of patients with ON had a positive occipital Tinel sign on examination. Elevated body mass index, higher age at presentation, and chronic migraine increased the odds of having ON. Undiagnosed or inadequate treatment of ON can increase the frequency and intensity of other comorbid headache disorders.

Nondiscogenic Sciatica: What Clinical Examination and Imaging Can Tell Us?

Lesions affecting the sciatic nerve (SN) can mimic lumbar radiculopathy. In patients presenting with sciatica, approximately 10% have a nondiscogenic etiology. Through neurological examination and imaging, it may be possible to confirm nondiscogenic sciatica (NDS). This study aims to present a series of 6 patients with infragluteal NDS, highlighting clinical and imaging aspects that may suggest this diagnosis. This is a retrospective study of 6 patients treated for NDS from 2010 to 2018. The mean and median ages were 41.2 and 38.5 years, respectively, with all patients female. All patients presented with sciatic pain, tenderness to deep infragluteal palpation, and a positive Tinel's sign related to the SN. Four patients were referred for surgical treatment, whereas 1 underwent pharmacological therapy and 1 underwent incisional biopsy and radiotherapy. In our series, 6 different causes for NDS were diagnosed: 1 nontumorous cause: extrauterine endometriosis and 5 tumors: metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma, low-grade sarcoma, schwannoma, high-grade sarcoma, and myxoma. Differentiating between discogenic and NDS can be challenging for clinicians. When patients present with sciatic pain, a Tinel's sign related to the SN elicited at the deep infragluteal region, tenderness to deep infragluteal palpation, occasionally with an SN motor deficit and imaging findings of the lumbar spine that do not justify a discogenic source, the cause should be considered nondiscogenic and they should be scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging of the gluteal and pelvic region.

2309 Vasculitic Mononeuritis Multiplex Mimicking Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge

INTRODUCTION: Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis(CV) can have variety of presentations including palpable purpura, arthralgias, glomerulonephritis, peripheral neuropathy, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and hypocomplementemia. We present a patient with bilateral hand mononeuritis multiplex secondary to hepatitis C related CV. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 52-year-old man with untreated hepatitis C (Viral load 520388, Genotype 1b), diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension and chronic kidney disease, presented with two months of bilateral hand pain. He also complained of numbness and tingling over the palmar aspects of the medial three digits of his hands, in addition to his medial left foot. He had no rash, arthritis, fevers, or weight loss. Physical exam was significant for positive Tinel's sign bilaterally, with weakness on finger extension, flexion and decreased power of interossei. Fundoscopy demonstrated non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).Laboratory work-up revealed negative ANA, C-ANCA, MPO/PR3, HIV and RPR. Vitamin B12 and TSH levels were normal. However, serum cryoglobulins were positive with low C3, C4 and nephrotic range proteinuria Electromyography showed non-length-dependent neuropathy, which was more suggestive of mononeuritis multiplex rather than carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Sural nerve biopsy was performed and revealed vasculopathic changes consistent with vasculitis. He was diagnosed with mononeuritis multiplex secondary to hepatitis C related cryoglobulinemia. Immunosuppresive treatment was withheld because the patient tested positive for latent Tuberculosis (TB). He is currently undergoing treatment for the latent TB. DISCUSSION: CV is a small-to-medium-vessel vasculitis that occurs in 10 to 15 percent of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The two competing diagnosis for our patient’s neurological symptoms were diabetic neuropathy and CV secondary to untreated Hepatitis C. NPDR favored the microvascular complications of diabetes but the rapid onset of symptoms, positive cryoglobulins in the setting of HCV infection and sural nerve biopsy helped to establish the diagnosis of CV. This case is especially unique because it’s a very rare extrahepatic manifestation of HCV infection .Management of HCV cryoglobulinemic vasculitis involves administration of immunosuppressive therapy such as rituximab and antivirals but all patients should be tested and treated for latent TB prior to treatment initiation.

Neuromas and postamputation pain.

Postamputation stump and phantom pain are highly prevalent but remain a difficult condition to treat. The underlying mechanisms are not fully clarified, but growing evidence suggests that changes in afferent nerves, including the formation of neuromas, play an important role. The main objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether ultrasound-verified neuroma swellings are more frequent in amputees with postamputation pain than in amputees without pain (primary outcome). Sixty-seven amputees were included. Baseline characteristics including the frequency and intensity of spontaneous stump and phantom pain were obtained, and sensory characteristics and evoked responses were assessed. A high-frequency ultrasound examination of the amputated extremity was performed to obtain information on the presence, size, and elasticity of swollen neuromas and pressure pain thresholds. Swollen neuromas were present in 53 (79.1%) of the 67 amputees included in the study, in 47 (82.5%) of 57 amputees with pain and in 6 (60.0%) of 10 amputees without pain (P = 0.2). No difference was found in stump pain intensity (P = 0.42) during the last week or in phantom pain intensity in the last month (P = 0.74) between amputees with and without swollen neuromas. Our findings suggest that it is not the presence of swollen neuromas itself that drives postamputation pain. However, changes in the transected nerve endings may still be crucial for driving postamputation pain because a positive Tinel sign was significantly more frequent in amputees with pain, irrespectively of the degree of neuroma swelling.

Tarsal tunnel release restores sensations in sole for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy

BackgroundDiabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is the commonest form of neuropathy. Loss of sensations in sole leads to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and its complications. Surgical decompression has been used in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, however; its effectiveness has been questioned.Purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensory recovery in sole after tarsal tunnel decompression (TTD) in patients having DSPN. MethodsThirteen patients (Age28-70 years, average 35.57 years; 7 Males, 6 Females; 20 feet) with DSPN and positive Tinel's sign over the tarsal tunnel were included in the study. Pre and post-operative sensory tests performed on the sole included tests for touch, pain, temperature, pressure, vibration perception threshold (VPT) and two-point discrimination (2-PD). Results were classified as per British Medical Research Council (MRC) scoring system. Results–Sixteen feet were followed-up for 6 months. In all feet perception of touch, pain and pressure recovered. Temperature perception recovered in 75% feet. VPT came to normal range (16.81V) from 40.37 V and 2-PD came down to average of 6.0 mm from preoperative average of11.2 mm.MRC scale improved from S0 in 5 feet and S2 in 15 feet to S3+ in all 16 feet.There were no ulcers or amputation in operated limbs during follow up period of 6 months. ConclusionsTTD improves plantar sensations in diabetic neuropathy and prevents ulcers and its related complications.

Diagnostic Criteria for Symptomatic Neuroma: Erratum.

the April 2019 issue of Annals of Plastic Surgery in the article by Arnold et al, Diagnostic Criteria for Symptomatic Neuroma, a portion of the abstract under the Results section was incorrect. It mistakenly reads: In addition, patients must have at least 2 of the following 4 findings: (1) positive Tinel sign on examination at/along suspected nerve injury site, (2) tenderness/pain on examination at/along suspected nerve injury site, (3) positive response to a diagnostic local anesthetic injection, and (4) ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of The correct statement is: In addition, patients must have at least one of the following 3 findings: (1) positive Tinel sign on examination at/ along suspected nerve injury site, (2) positive response to a diagnostic local anesthetic injection, and (3) ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of neuroma.

Diagnostic Criteria for Symptomatic Neuroma

After nerve injury, disorganized or incomplete nerve regeneration may result in a neuroma. The true incidence of symptomatic neuroma is unknown, and the diagnosis has traditionally been made based on patient history, symptoms, physical examination, and the anatomic location of pain, along with response to diagnostic injection. There are no formally accepted criteria for a diagnosis of neuroma. A literature search was performed to identify articles related to neuroma: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for all relevant articles pertaining to neuroma. Articles were screened by title and abstract for relevance. If an article was considered potentially relevant, the full article was reviewed. After consideration, 50 articles were included in this systematic review. No previous articles directly addressed diagnostic criteria for symptomatic neuroma. Factors related to neuroma diagnosis gleaned from previous studies include pain and cold intolerance (patient history), positive Tinel sign or diminished 2-point discrimination (physical examination findings), response to diagnostic nerve block, and presence of neuroma on diagnostic imaging (ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging). Based on literature review, the importance and number of references, as well as clinical experience, we propose criteria for diagnosis of symptomatic neuroma. To receive a diagnosis of symptomatic neuroma, patients must have (1) pain with at least 3 qualifying "neuropathic" characteristics, (2) symptoms in a defined neural anatomic distribution, and (3) a history of a nerve injury or suspected nerve injury. In addition, patients must have at least 2 of the following 4 findings: (1) positive Tinel sign on examination at/along suspected nerve injury site, (2) tenderness/pain on examination at/along suspected nerve injury site, (3) positive response to a diagnostic local anesthetic injection, and (4) ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging confirmation of neuroma. The diagnosis of neuroma is based on a careful history and physical examination and should rely on the proposed criteria for confirmation. These criteria will be helpful in more precisely defining the diagnosis for clinical and research purposes.

Incision of the flexor retinaculum of the foot fails to relieve symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome due to presence of a variant flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL) muscle

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), or posterior tibial neuralgia, is a neuropathy associated with compressive entrapment of the tibial nerve as it travels deep to the flexor retinaculum of the foot, or within the tarsal tunnel. A patient with TTS often presents with paresthesia and numbness within the foot radiating to the big toe and first three toes, but these symptoms can also radiate proximally into the leg as far as the knee joint. Pain, burning, tingling, and electrical sensations extend over the plantar surface of the foot and the heel. Inflammation and swelling can result leading to compression of the tibial nerve. These symptoms are exacerbated with activity or when a physician applies pressure to, or taps upon, the compressed tibial nerve, which is called a positive Tinel's sign. Surgical incision the flexor retinaculum of the foot usually relieves these TTS signs/symptoms because it creates additional space for the impinged tibial nerve in this compressive entrapment neuropathy.A 44‐year‐old competitive male athlete, who was diagnosed with TTS, failed to gain relief from the signs and symptoms of this neuropathy after incision of the flexor retinaculum of the foot. Subsequent MRI review revealed a large variant muscle in the posterior compartment of the distal affected leg, which was later identified as a flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL). This variant muscle arose from the investing fascia of the flexor digitorum longus muscle medially, the transverse intermuscular septum posteriorly, the investing fascia of the flexor hallucis longus muscle medially. This FDAL also extended as far proximally as the middle of leg, and more specifically, the lower border of the gastrocnemius muscle. Though difficult to discern on the MRI, the FDAL appeared to attach to the tibia medially and fibula laterally. Throughout its course, the FDAL muscle was located immediately posterior and impinged upon the tibial nerve. Moreover, this FDAL followed its documented course distally in that it was located posterior to the medial malleolus and entered the tarsal tunnel (deep to the flexor retinaculum), where it continued to act as a space occupying lesion. Finally, the FDAL inserted onto the intersection of the flexor digitorum longus tendon and the quadratus plantae muscle in the second muscular layer of the sole of the foot.To regain the quality of his once active lifestyle, it was necessary for this patient to undergo an addition surgery, using an open approach, in which this FDAL muscle was excised from its proximal attachment to just below the normal location of the flexor retinaculum of the foot. With the prevalence of the FDAL reported in 2–12% of cadaveric studies, this case emphasizes the importance of MRI review before tarsal tunnel surgery is performed and the importance of identifying variant leg muscles that may be causing the compressive entrapment neuropathy of the tibial nerve.Support or Funding InformationWVU Initiation to Research Opportunities (INTRO) Program; NASA WV Space Grant Consortium [NNX10AK62H].This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Clinical manifestations and imaging analysis of cervicogenic headache

To investigate the clinical characteristics and mechanism of cervicogenic headache. Fifty-seven patients with cervicogenic headache who were treated from May 2013 to December 2017 and had complete imaging data were selected, including 18 males and 39 females with an average age of(43.26±10.39) years old ranging from 20 to 63 years old. The duration of the disease was 4 months to 35 years with a mean of (11.74±9.47) years. The pain situation, iconography and Tinel sign were analyzed. The patients with cervicogenic headache often had bilateral pain. The regions mainly concentrated in the temporal region, with occipital, head or orbit pains. The VAS scores decreased with the duration of the disease. There were many cases of disc herniation(91.30%), vertebral instability(73.91%), atlantoaxial displacement(56.52%), curvature change of cervicogenic vertebra(54.35%). The number of positive Tinel sign points was between 3 and 24 (13.58±5.8) per patient. The number and extent of Tinel sign were significantly different between the affected side and healthy side(P<0.05). C₂,₃ facet joints(92.98%), post mastoid(89.47%), occipital concavity(89.47%), C₃,₄ facet joints(84.21%), third occipital nerve(80.70%) were the positive Tinel sign points in patients with cervicogenic headache. The iconography changes of cervicogenic headache and Tinel sign may contribute to the clinical diagnosis and mechanism of the disease.

Evaluating of the Outcomes of Median Nerve Decompression with a Mini Incision Proximal to the Distal Wrist Crease.

To evaluate the feasibility of the mini-open incision method in patients who underwent median nerve decompression in the carpal tunnel with a mini incision made proximal to the distal wrist crease. A total of 80 patients (84 hands) operated by a single surgeon with a mini incision were included. The patients were evaluated postoperatively for the presence of pillar pain, pain on the incision scar, and scar sensitivity in addition to preoperative findings. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire was used for clinical scoring. To evaluate the effectiveness of the method, the findings were recorded at and compared between at 12 and 24 months follow-ups. No complications were observed at the wound site in the early postoperative period. Ten patients reported numbness, 5 experienced weakness, and 4 revealed positive Tinel's sign. Keloid formation without pain and scar sensitivity was detected in 2 patients at 6 months. No patient reported night pain, pain on pillar or incision scar, scar sensitivity, recent sensory loss, and disease recurrence. Numbness was present in 7 patients at 12 months and in 3 at 24 months; 3 and 2 patients reported weakness at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The mean Quick DASH score was 72.7 preoperatively, 10.2 at 12 months, and 9.1 at 24 months. The median nerve decompression in the carpal tunnel may be performed with a mini incision made proximal to the distal wrist crease is effective and safe method, and provides less complications and higher patient comfort.

Validity of the Tinel Sign and Prevalence of Tibial Nerve Entrapment at the Tarsal Tunnel in Both Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome are more prevalent in patients with diabetes, especially in those with diabetic polyneuropathy. Our study aims were to investigate the validity of the Tinel sign in diagnosing tibial neuropathy and determine the prevalence of tibial nerve entrapment in both a diabetic and nondiabetic population. Two hundred forty nonneuropathic subjects with diabetes and 176 diabetic subjects with neuropathy participating in the prospective Rotterdam Diabetic Foot Study and 196 reference subjects without diabetes and without neuropathy complaints were evaluated. All subjects underwent sensory testing of the feet, and complaints were assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. The Tinel sign was defined as discriminative and valid for diagnosing tibial nerve entrapment when the nerve-related Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument subscore of neuropathic symptoms differed at least 5 percent between the Tinel-positive and Tinel-negative subjects. When the sign was valid, prevalence estimates of tibial nerve entrapment at the tarsal tunnel were calculated. Significantly more neuropathic symptoms (p < 0.002) and higher sensory thresholds (p < 0.0005) were observed in (compressed) tibial nerve-innervated areas, indicating that a positive Tinel sign at the tarsal tunnel is a valid measure of tibial nerve abnormality. The prevalence of tibial nerve entrapment in diabetic patients was 44.9 percent (95 percent CI, 40.1 to 49.7 percent) versus 26.5 percent (95 percent CI, 20.3 to 32.7 percent) in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Tibial nerve entrapment is more prevalent in diabetic subjects than in controls. The significantly more frequently reported neuropathic complaints and concomitant sensory disturbances provide evidence for the role of superimposed entrapment neuropathy in diabetes-related neuropathy. Diagnostic, IV.

Retrospective study to evaluate the treatment of digital pulp lesions using a homodigital flap

ObjectiveTo assess the homodigital flap surgical procedure, as well as the function of the finger, pain, sensation, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. MethodRetrospective analysis of records and questionnaires of patients who underwent this surgical technique between the months of May 2013 and October 2016. Eight were included in the study, with an average follow-up period of 23 months. Patients with digital pulp lesions of the thumbs and those who did not perform rehabilitation were excluded. All underwent the two-point discrimination test, the Semmes–Weinstein test, and range of motion evaluation. The age varied from 22 to 59 years (average of 32.9), six (75%) being male patients. ResultsThree patients (37.5%) had involvement of the right hand and five of the left (62.5%). Regarding the etiology, seven suffered injury and one a chemical burn. The average distance obtained from the two-point discrimination test was 7.3mm. All patients who underwent the Semmes–Weinstein test obtained response to the purple filament. The average sum of the range of motion of the affected digit was 98.9%. The flap area was on average 294.4mm2. The return to work averaged seven weeks. A positive Tinel sign was found in the donating area and two reported intolerance to cold. Partial or total necrosis of the flap was not observed. ConclusionThe homodigital flap technique presented satisfactory esthetics and functional results regarding feasibility, sensation, and digital mobility in pulp lesions.

Surgical Results of Common Peroneal Nerve Neuroplasty at Lateral Fibular Neck.

Common peroneal nerve (CPN) compressive neuropathy is the most common lower-extremity entrapment neuropathy. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained single-institution database of all patients with CPN palsy who underwent decompression and neuroplasty over a 5-year period was performed. Thirty patients underwent a neuroplasty of the CPN over a 5-year period (2010-2015) at our institution. The median age was 45 years, and there was a male preponderance. The average time between first onset of symptoms to surgery was 122.9 weeks and between first clinic visit and surgery was 21 weeks. The etiology of the CPN neuropathy was as follows: in 12 patients, it followed a surgical procedure and in 14 patients, it occurred after a trauma to the lower extremity. In 2 patients, it occurred as a result of a mass lesion compromising the nerve and in 1 patient, a local infection predisposed to CPN palsy. Right and left lower extremities were equally involved. The median body mass index was 28.6. The most common presentation was weakness of the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor hallucis longus (EHL) and loss of sensation in the distribution of the CPN or one of its major branches. Pain was a presenting symptom in 16 patients. Only 12 of the 30 patients had a positive Tinel's sign at the site of compression over the lateral fibular neck. Preoperative electrophysiologic confirmation of CPN neuropathy was available in all patients. Mean follow-up was 52 weeks. Prone positioning and selective use of the operating microscope provided excellent visualization and surgical exposure of the CPN from the lower popliteal region to the peroneal tunnel. Average operating room time was 170 minutes and average skin-to-skin time 91 minutes. Clinical improvement after surgery in terms of motor function was noted in 24 of the 26 patients who presented with a motor deficit. The most consistent improvement was noted in the TA and EHL; a trend toward greater improvement with shorter time to surgery was noted. No complications related to the surgical site or CPN were encountered, and no patient had a decline in their neurologic examination as a consequence of the surgery. One patient developed a positioning-related right upper-extremity brachial plexus neuropraxic injury after surgery that recovered completely. Common peroneal neuropathy usually presents with weakness of the TA and EHL and decreased sensation or pain in the distribution of the CPN. Microscope-assisted surgical neuroplasty of the CPN at the lateral fibular neck with the patient in a prone position allows decompression of the nerve from the lower popliteal region to the peroneal tunnel. Significant improvement in motor strength after surgery, particularly of the TA and EHL, was observed in this series.

Management and patients perspective regarding a common peroneal nerve schwannoma: a rare cause of lower leg pain in a young individual

The differential diagnosis of exercise-induced lower leg pain in young individuals is extensive and includes entities such as chronic exertional compartment syndrome, popliteal arterial entrapment syndrome, cystic adventitial disease, medial...

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnostic Utilities of Different Nerve Conduction Tests in 100 Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Background and Purpose:The purpose of the study is to determine whether the clinical profile of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been same over the years with the help of routine and comparative electrodiagnostic tests.Methods:A prospective study of 100 patients with suspected CTS was conducted without controls. Three provocative maneuvers were performed. Routine and comparison nerve conduction tests were performed, i.e., second lumbrical interossei motor latency difference (2 LIMLD), digit 4 median-ulnar sensory latency difference (D4MUSLD), palm wrist distal sensory latency difference (PWDSLD), and digit 1 median-radial sensory latency difference (D1MRSLD). Data entry, analysis, and statistical evaluation were done using International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics package (IBM, SPSS).Results:A total of 195 hands of 100 patients met the criteria for CTS. Forty-three percentage of patients were homemakers. Considering the rapidly changing communication technology, we observed 84% patients had aggravation of symptoms with continuous long-term daily mobile phone use (>30 min per session per day). We noted positive Tinel's sign in only 25%. Phalen's sign was positive in 53 right hands with mean duration of 11.49s (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.54 s) and was positive in 26 left hands with mean being 10.4 s (SD ± 1.91 s). The mean motor distal latency of median was 4.67 ms (SD ± 1.71 ms) and mean sensory distal latency of median was 3.24 ms (SD ± 1 ms). On internal comparison testing, mean difference in 2 LIMLD was 0.7 ± 0.3 ms, in D4MUSLD was 0.81 ± 0.32, in PWDSLD was 0.71 ± 0.20, and in D1MRSLD was 0.76 ± 0.32.Conclusion:Further analysis of clinical profile needs to be done, and new risk or provoking factors should be analyzed in patients with CTS.

Estudo retrospectivo para avaliação do tratamento de lesões da polpa digital com retalho homodigital

ObjectiveTo assess the homodigital flap surgical procedure, as well as the function of the finger, pain, sensation, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. MethodRetrospective analysis of records and questionnaires of patients who underwent this surgical technique between the months of May 2013 and October 2016. Eight were included in the study, with an average follow‐up period of 23 months. Patients with digital pulp lesions of the thumbs and those who did not perform rehabilitation were excluded. All underwent the two‐point discrimination test, the Semmes‐Weinstein test, and range of motion evaluation. The age varied from 22 to 59 years (average of 32.9), six (75%) being male patients. ResultsThree patients (37.5%) had involvement of the right hand and five of the left (62.5%). Regarding the etiology, seven suffered injury and one a chemical burn. The average distance obtained from the two‐point discrimination test was 7.3mm. All patients who underwent the Semmes‐Weinstein test obtained response to the purple filament. The average sum of the range of motion of the affected digit was 98.9%. The flap area was on average 294.4 mm2. The return to work averaged seven weeks. A positive Tinel sign was found in the donating area and two reported intolerance to cold. Partial or total necrosis of the flap was not observed. ConclusionThe homodigital flap technique presented satisfactory esthetics and functional results regarding feasibility, sensation, and digital mobility in pulp lesions.

The investigation of association between IL-1Ra and ACE I/D polymorphisms in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurologic impairment caused by injury on the median nerve in the wrist, characterized by pain and loss of sensory. CTS usually occurs through three factors, such as a mechanical pressure on median nerve, immunologic changes, and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphisms on the susceptibility of patients to the CTS. One hundred fifty-eight patients with CTS and 151 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Each patient was analyzed according to diseases symptoms, such as gender, a positive Tinel's sign, a positive Phalen maneuver, disease sides, EMG findings, and clinical stage. We applied the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the polymorphisms of IL-1Ra and ACE I/D. The statistically significant relation was not found between IL-1Ra, ACE I/D polymorphisms and CTS (respectively, P>.05; P>.05, OR: 1.51, CI: 0.82-1.61). Additionally, in the result of the statistical analysis compared with gene polymorphisms and clinical characteristics, we did not find any correlation (P>.05). Our findings showed that there are no associations of IL-1Ra and ACE I/D polymorphisms with susceptibility of a person for the development of CTS. So, it means that these polymorphisms do not create a risk for the development of CTS. Further studies with larger populations will be required to confirm these findings in different study populations.

Neurilemmomas of the Hand—A Review of the Clinical Presentation, Surgical Outcome, and Potential Risk Factors: 手部的神經鞘瘤 -- 臨床表現,手術結果和潛在危險因素的綜述

IntroductionNeurilemmoma of the hand may not usually present with the classic triad (mass, differential mobility, Tinel's sign). Failure to recognize a neurilemmoma may result in the inadvertent injury of nerves. Preoperative diagnosis is very important and challenging. Materials and methodsA retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for neurilemmoma of the hand between 2001 and 2013 was conducted. Their clinical presentation, surgical outcome and potential risk factors were reviewed. ResultsTwenty-eight cases of neurilemmoma arising from digits and hands in 28 patients were retrieved for study. Seventeen were male and 11 were female; the mean age at surgery was 57.1 years old and mean follow-up was 15.4 months. Nineteen lesions were on the volar side and the others were on the dorsal side. Volar digital nerve was the most common site of involvement. All patients presented with a mass, with an average duration of symptoms of 41.1 months; 35.7% had local tenderness. Differential mobility and Tinel's sign could be elicited in 39.3% and 21.4%, respectively. Correct preoperative diagnosis was made only in 25% of cases. At final follow-up, 82.1% of patients was symptom-free. Numbness, local tenderness and hypertrophic scar were reported in 7.1%, 7.1% and 3.6% of patients, respectively. No recurrence and no wound complications were noted. No reoperation was necessary. Multiple lesions and a positive Tinel's sign were associated with less satisfactory outcome and increased risk of postoperative complications as shown by the statistical analysis. ConclusionNeurilemmoma should be one of the differential diagnoses when dealing with hand masses. Tinel's sign should be done routinely on examination to facilitate correct preoperative diagnosis. Loupe magnification should be used during operation for optimal surgical outcome.