@article{27621,
  keywords = {Neurosensory testing, Neurolysis, Nerve compression, leprosy},
  author = {Baltodano P and Rochlin DH and Noboa J and Sarhane KA and Rosson GD and Dellon LA},
  title = {Prevalence of leprous neuropathy determined by neurosensory testing in an endemic zone in Ecuador: Development of an algorithm to identify patients benefiting from early neurolysis.},
  abstract = {<p>The success of a microneurosurgical intervention in leprous neuropathy (LN) depends on the diagnosis of chronic compression before irreversible paralysis and digital loss occurs. In order to determine the effectiveness of a different approach for early identification of LN, neurosensory testing with the Pressure-Specified Sensory Device™ (PSSD), a validated and sensitive test, was performed in an endemic zone for leprosy. A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze a patient sample meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for Hansen's disease. The prevalence of LN was based on the presence of ≥1 abnormal PSSD pressure threshold for a two-point static touch. A total of 312 upper and lower extremity nerves were evaluated in 39 patients. The PSSD found a 97.4% prevalence of LN. Tinel's sign was identified in 60% of these patients. An algorithm for early identification of patients with LN was proposed using PSSD testing based on the unilateral screening of the ulnar and deep peroneal nerves.</p>
},
  year = {2016},
  journal = {Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS},
  issn = {1878-0539},
  doi = {10.1016/j.bjps.2016.03.013},
  language = {eng},
}