Clinical Trial: Sensory Reeducation in Peripheral Nerve Injuries of Hand

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Proposal of Sensory Reeducation in Peripheral Nerve Injuries of Median and Ulnar Nerves of the Hand: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY

Brief Summary: Objectives: To develop a protocol for early treatment using sensory reeducation through the mirror after surgical reconstruction of the median nerve and / or ulnar hand, and its comparison with the evolution of the return of skin sensitivity after a not early rehabilitation which will be conducted by physiotherapists, with blinding of the evaluators.

Detailed Summary: Changes in the cerebral cortex begins soon after peripheral nerve injury resulting in overlapping cortical areas on adjacent as a result of the absence of stimuli in the area of cortical representation of the injured nerve. Sensibility reeducation is a process of reprogramming the brain through a progressive learning proposing feed the somatosensory cortex with alternative stimulus to preserve the cortical map of the hand and facilitate the sensory recovery. This study is based on the hypothesis that sensory reeducation starting in the first days after surgery by training with the mirror promotes greater preservation of the cortical map of the original hand, with better functional results. We also believe that sensory reeducation performed early with the mirror will enhance the return of sensibility, emphasizing functional reorganization with less alteration of the cortical map of the hand. Metodology: Will be included patients over 18 with injury of the median and/or ulnar nerve at the first week after surgery. Patients will be randomized into an early group with the use of mirror and a classic group of sensory reeducation. In evaluating the Rosen score will be used with motor, sensory and pain/discomfort components. The assessment instruments used were: Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, Jamar® and Pinch Gauge® dynamometer, goniometry, shape and texture identification (STI), Sollerman test, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH), two points discriminator and numeric pain scale.
Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo

Current Primary Outcome: sensory threshold [ Time Frame: 1 month ]

Semmes Weinstein monofilaments


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • sensory threshold, range of motion, pain, function, tactile gnosia, pinch and grip strength [ Time Frame: 3 months ]
    Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, Jamar® and Pinch Gauge® dynamometer, goniometry, shape and texture identification (STI), Sollerman test, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH), two points discriminator and numeric pain scale
  • sensory threshold, range of motion, pain, function, tactile gnosia, pinch and grip strength [ Time Frame: 6 months ]
    Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, Jamar® and Pinch Gauge® dynamometer, goniometry, shape and texture identification (STI), Sollerman test, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH), two points discriminator and numeric pain scale
  • sensory threshold, range of motion, pain, function, tactile gnosia, pinch and grip strength [ Time Frame: 12 months ]
    Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, Jamar® and Pinch Gauge® dynamometer, goniometry, shape and texture identification (STI), Sollerman test, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH), two points discriminator and numeric pain scale


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Sao Paulo

Dates:
Date Received: July 1, 2010
Date Started: March 2009
Date Completion:
Last Updated: May 26, 2015
Last Verified: May 2015