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Evaluating Nerve Decompressions to Reduce Chronic Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Joseph Kaleeny MS, Julie M West PAC, Amy M Moore MD, FACS
The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center
2024-01-26
Presenter: Joseph Kaleeny
Affidavit:
This work is the original work of The Ohio State University College of Medicine Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, comprised of the authors listed in the abstract. Joseph is a member of this group and has contributed a significant and appropriate portion of the created work.
Director Name: AMM
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Hand
Background: Fibromyalgia (FM), is characterized by widespread pain and debilitating symptoms. Managing the complexity of FM pain, including that of predictable peripheral neuropathies, combines pharmacologic and conservative measures. This study aimed to assess outcomes and complications of elective peripheral nerve surgery for pain.
Methods: Eight hundred thirty-seven charts were identified and screened for review. Primary outcomes taken included pre and postoperative pain severity descriptors and quality-of-life measures. To quantify pain severity, we created a non-validated numeric scale ranging from 1 to 20 based on pain descriptors. A mixed effects regression analysis was used to evaluate trends in the pain scores over time, from preoperative through four postoperative visits.
Results: Preliminary data show 27 patients with FM who underwent surgical intervention. The average age of patients was 50.4 years old, and the majority were females (89%). A reduction in pain scores was observed from 6.3 (95% CI: 4.8, 7.9) preoperatively to 4.1 (95% CI: 1.8, 6.5) by visit 4. Change in pain scores was not significant over time (p = 0.361). The average follow-up time from surgery to post-operative visit 4 was 147.8 days.
Conclusion: No significant changes in pain scores or adjective descriptors were observed at early follow-up (less than four months). No complications were identified and no patients reported worsened pain scores. Long-term, prospective, and larger sample sizes are essential in exploring the full breadth of how peripheral nerve surgery may impact and ensure comprehensive care for individuals living with FM.
