CLINICAL ARTICLE

 

Is a positive nerve conduction study a predictor of a satisfactory result after tarsal tunnel release?

 

 

NP Saragas^I; G O'Brien^II

^IMBBCh(Wits), FCS(SA)Ortho, MMed Ortho Surg)(Wits)
MBBCh, BSc, FCS(SA)Ortho. Netcare Linksfield Orthopaedic Sports & Rehabilitation Centre (Clinic), Johannesburg and Orthopaedic Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

We reviewed 28 patients who had had tarsal tunnel syndrome diagnosed clinically and with the aid of nerve conduction studies over the last five years. The aim was to establish if a positive nerve conduction study was an indicator of a good postoperative result. We found that in general less than 50% of all patients were satisfied with the procedure and a positive nerve conduction study did not predict a good post-surgical outcome. We advise that surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome even with positive nerve conduction studies be undertaken as a last resort, and patients be informed of the potential of a poor outcome after surgery.

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References

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Correspondence:
Reprint requests:
Dr G O'Brien
PO Box 1153
Highlands North
2037 Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 485-1974/5
Fax: +27 11 640-5313
Email: saragas@global.co.za

 

 

This article was not submitted to an ethical committee for approval. The content of this article is the sole work of the authors. No benefits of any form have been derived from any commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.