Introduction Pillar pain is a frequent postoperative complication of carpal tunnel release (CTR). The precise definition of pillar pain is lacking, but most authors describe it as diffuse aching pain and tenderness in the thenar and hypothenar area. The etiology of pillar pain is unclear. However, the most prevalent theory is the neurogenic theory, which attributes the pain to the damage of small nerve branches of palmar cutaneous branches of median nerve after surgical incision, with resulting entrapment of the nerves in the scar tissue at the incision site. We postulated that a main source of pillar pain is sensory neuromas along the incision site. In this article, we describe a simple modification of the standard CTR technique with intent to decrease neuroma formation and thus minimizing pillar pain. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study comparing the incidence and duration of pillar pain between patients who underwent standard CTR (SCTR, n = 53) versus the minimizing pillar pain CTR technique (n = 55). Based on duration of pillar pain, the groups were placed into 3 subgroups (<3, 3–6, and >6 months). Presence and duration of pillar pain in each group were recorded along with return to work (RTW), complications, and patient satisfaction. Results The SCTR group had a total of 17 patients with pillar pain (32.1%), 5 of which resolved within 3 months, 7 within 3 to 6 months, and 5 in more than 6 months. The group that underwent the minimizing pillar pain technique had a total of 4 patients with pillar pain (7.2%). Three resolved within 3 months, 1 resolved within 3 to 6 months, and there were no patients with pillar pain lasting more than 6 months. Average RTW time for minimization of pillar pain CTR (MPPCTR) was 34.9 days. Average RTW time for SCTR was 54.8 days. Satisfaction was higher among patients who underwent surgery with MPPCTR. Conclusions Based on these results, we concluded that MPPCTR compared with SCTR had equal complication rate, however, significantly lower incidence and duration of pillar pain, higher rate of satisfaction, and earlier RTW.
Brachial plexus injuries are devastating injuries that affect primarily young healthy males. For the total plexus injury, current surgical treatments have failed to achieve normal restoration of limb function but some practical goals are obtainable. This review article summarizes existing logic and approach for managing these catastrophic injuries.
This article reviews the history and current management concepts of flexor tendon lacerations. Classic and contemporary repair techniques are discussed. The most popular rehabilitation protocols are also reviewed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.