Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of decompression of nerves in the lower
extremity in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy on static balance
using a sensitive pressure mat system. DESIGN: Non-blinded randomized controlled
trial. SETTING: Single center study performed at the University Medical Center
Utrecht between 2010-2013. SUBJECTS: Patients with painful diabetic
polyneuropathy assessed with the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score and Diabetic
Neuropathy Examination between 18-90 years. Exclusion criteria were: physical
problems leading to instability, BMI>35 kg/m2, ankle fractures in history,
amputations proximal to the tarsometatarsal joints, active foot ulcer(s), severe
occlusive peripheral vascular diseases. INTERVENTION: Unilateral surgical nerve
decompression at four sites in the lower extremity, the contralateral limb was
used as control (within-patient comparison), with one year follow-up. MAIN
MEASURES: Preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, weight bearing and
five variables of sway of the center of pressure were measured with a pressure
mat with eyes open and eyes closed. T-test was used for evaluation of
postoperative results. RESULTS: Thirty-nine Patients met inclusion criteria and
were enrolled for stability testing. Postoperatively no significant differences
for sway variables and weight bearing were seen compared to preoperatively
measurements. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence that surgical decompression of
nerves of the lower extremity influences stability within one year after surgery
in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS