A touch pressure sensory assessment of the surgical treatment of the tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Decompressive tarsal tunnel surgery may improve dysfunctional plantar foot sensation in, patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. However, quantitative sensory, assessment is lacking.

METHOD:

Quantitative sensory threshold evaluation of 42 feet in 37 consecutive (29 non-diabetic and 8 diabetic) patients was done before and after surgical decompression for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Insensitivity was documented quantitatively (grams force) before and after surgery using a graded series of twenty Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments applied to the anatomic nerve regions of the plantar aspect of the foot.

RESULTS:

Sensory evaluation at an average of 12 months after surgery showed significant improvement, of mean sensory threshold, compared with preoperative values, for medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and lateral plantar nerves.

CONCLUSION:

Quantitative sensory assessment with a graded series of twenty Semmes-Weinstein, monofilaments showed significant sensory improvement in the medial calcaneal, medial plantar, and, lateral plantar nerves after posterior tibial nerve decompression.

• Authors: William H Gondring, Byron Shields
• Journal: Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (Foot Ankle Surg) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 266-9 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1460-9584 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 22017900 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pressure
• Prospective Studies
• Sensory Thresholds
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (physiopathology, surgery)
• Touch
• Young Adult