surgery-behavioral-testing-tibial-neuroma-transposition-model

Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats

The tibial neuroma transposition (TNT) is a rat model in which allodynia at the neuroma site (tibial nerve) can be independently evaluated from allodynia ...

University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University

Although resection of extremity soft tissue sarcomas can occasionally lead to large disabilities, literature regarding the necessity and outcome of functional reconstructions are scarce. The goal of this review is to assess outcomes and usage of functional reconstructions in light of multimodal treatment.

Resuscitating extremities after soft tissue sarcoma resections: Are functional reconstructions an overlooked option in limb salvage? A systematic review.

Interventions that improve a patient's understanding of the problem and their options might reduce surgeon-to-surgeon variation, activate healthier patient behaviors and mindset, and optimize stewardship of resources while improving quality of care. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have more uncertainty about which course of action to take (so-called decision conflict) than hand surgeons. We studied patient preferences regarding shared decision making (SDM) for different parts of the treatment for CTS. We assessed the following hypotheses: (1) Younger age does not correlate with a preference for greater involvement in decisions; (2) Demographic and socioeconomic factors are not independently associated with (A) preferences for decision making (separated into preoperative, operative, postoperative, and the full SDM scale) and (B) the Control Preference Scale; (3) the SDM scale does not correlate with the Control Preference Scale.

Patient Perspectives on Decision Making for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Resection of nerves in extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) can lead to large functional deficits. Nerve reconstructions are rarely performed and little is known on their outcomes and indications for their use, even though they are essential in restoring sensation in limb salvage procedures. This study investigated current knowledge on functional outcomes and considerations to be taken before performing such reconstructions after sarcoma resection. A systematic search was performed in July 2018 in PubMed and Embase databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Search terms related to "soft tissue sarcoma" and "nerve reconstruction" were used. Studies evaluating functional outcomes after nerve grafting or nerve transfers in extremity STS were included. Qualitative synthesis was performed on all studies. Nineteen studies were included after full-text screening, describing 26 patients. The majority of patients had a nerve reconstruction in the upper extremity (65%). Perioperative radiotherapy was administered in 67% and perioperative chemotherapy in 29% of patients. Nerve grafting was most commonly performed (n = 23) and nerve transfers were performed in six patients. A wide variety of outcome measures were used. Most patients recovered at least some motor function and sensation, but success rates were higher after upper than lower extremity defects. Multimodal treatment did not preclude successful reconstructions. Nerve reconstructions in extremity STS allow the restoration of sensation in limb salvation, even motor nerve function can be restored with satisfactory function. The use of multimodal therapy does not seem to interfere with success. Nerve reconstructions should therefore be considered in STS patients.

A systematic review of functional outcomes after nerve reconstruction in extremity soft tissue sarcomas: A need for general implementation in the armamentarium.

Persistent neuropathic pain severely impacts physical functioning and quality of life (QoL). However, optimal surgical management of persistent neuropathic pain remains unclear. Extensive neurolysis with subsequent free muscle flap coverage, a new surgical procedure for neuropathic pain in the upper extremity, can be performed as a final option to establish pain reduction.

Free muscle flap coverage as last resort for therapy-resistant neuropathic pain in the upper extremity: A long-term retrospective follow-up study.

  The benefit of radiographs or steroid injection for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is open to debate. We assessed: (1) Radiographs ordered and injections performed at a new patient visit for patients presenting with either idiopathic CTS or UNE; (2) The estimated payment reduction if we omit these interventions; and (3) Patient age, sex, geographic region, and work status associated with radiographs or injections at a new patient visit for patients presenting with either idiopathic CTS or UNE.   Using a large database of commercial insurance claims, we identified patients with a new visit for either CTS (  = 9,522), UNE (  = 2,507), or both (  = 962; 8.7%). We identified injections and radiographs, and estimated total payments for these interventions. We created three multivariable logistic regression models for each diagnosis to identify factors associated with the interventions.   Nearly one third of patients had radiographs at a new patient visit (30% and 32% for idiopathic CTS and UNE, respectively). Nearly 10% of patients with CTS and 2.6% with UNE received an injection. Both radiographs and injections representing annual minimum payments of over $345,000 and $294,000, respectively. Among people with CTS, radiographs were independently more common in the South and less common in the West. Injection for CTS was associated with younger age; North, Central, and South regions; and retired employment status. For people with UNE, radiographs were independently associated with younger age; South or West region; and retired or working employment status. Injection for UNE was associated with retired employment status.   The prevalence of radiographs and injections suggests opportunities for savings, which might benefit clinicians with bundled or capitated payments and patients with large copayments or deductibles. The observed variation may reflect debate about whether these interventions are worthwhile.   Diagnostic; Retrospective Database Level III study.

Radiographs and Corticosteroid Injections at a New Patient Visit for Care of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow.

Various mouse and rat models of neuropathic pain after nerve injury exist. Whilst some models involve a proximal nerve lesion or ligation of the sciatic trifurcation in mice and rats, others consists of a transection or ligation of distal nerves at the tibial bifurcation in mice or rats. The level of nerve cut directly affects the magnitude of hypersensitivity, and anatomical differences between mice and rats might therefore impact the development of hypersensitivity after distal tibial nerve transection as well.

J. Henk Coert

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University

Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats