Effect of surgical decompression of nerves in the lower extremity in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy on stability: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effect of decompression of nerves in the lower extremity in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy on static balance using a sensitive pressure mat system.

Design: Non-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Single center study performed at the University Medical Center Utrecht between 2010-2013.

Subjects: Patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy assessed with the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination between 18-90 years. Exclusion criteria were: physical problems leading to instability, BMI>35 kg/m2, ankle fractures in history, amputations proximal to the tarsometatarsal joints, active foot ulcer(s), severe occlusive peripheral vascular diseases.

Intervention: Unilateral surgical nerve decompression at four sites in the lower extremity, the contralateral limb was used as control (within-patient comparison), with one year follow-up.

Main measures: Preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postoperatively, weight bearing and five variables of sway of the center of pressure were measured with a pressure mat with eyes open and eyes closed. T-test was used for evaluation of postoperative results.

Results: Thirty-nine Patients met inclusion criteria and were enrolled for stability testing. Postoperatively no significant differences for sway variables and weight bearing were seen compared to preoperatively measurements.

Conclusions: There is no evidence that surgical decompression of nerves of the lower extremity influences stability within one year after surgery in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy.