Predictive value of a diagnostic block in focal nerve injury with neuropathic pain when surgery is considered.

ABSTRACT:

Object

In patients with focal nerve injury and neuropathic pain cutting the nerve to obtain permanent pain reduction can be considered. Surgery is indicated only if a diagnostic nerve block provides temporary pain relief. We evaluated the predictive value of a block on the outcome of surgery.

Methods

In total, three blocks were performed at two week intervals. Patients were blinded to injections containing lidocaine 1% and a placebo was included. Surgery was offered regardless of the effect of the blocks. Twenty-four patients received 72 blocks. Sixteen patients opted for surgery, 5 patients refrained from surgery, and in 3 the blocks provided permanent pain relief. The predictive ability of the block on the outcome of surgery was assessed by calculating the area under a Rec

SUBMITTER: Malessy MJA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6135496 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature