How should we define and assess painful sensitivity in the hand? An international e-Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Painful sensitivity in the hand is commonly seen with neuropathic pain, interfering with daily activities including rehabilitation. However, there are currently several terms used to describe the problem and a lack of guidance on what assessments should be used.

PURPOSE

To gather expert opinion a) identifying current and common terminology used in hand therapy, b) developing a consensus definition of hypersensitivity, and c) developing consensus guidance on how to best assess allodynia.

STUDY DESIGN

International e-Delphi survey study.

METHODS

We conducted an e-Delphi consensus study drawing on international experts in hand rehabilitation. We planned up to four rounds of consensus-seeking, defining consensus as 75% or more of participants agreeing with a definition or recommendation. Experts were identified from 21 countries, with the nomination of other experts encouraged for 'snowball sampling'. The first round included clinical vignettes describing 'painful sensitivity of the hand' and asked participants to describe how they would assess each case. Definitions for hypersensitivity, tactile hyperesthesia, and allodynia were also requested.

RESULTS

We invited 68 participants: 44 more were added through nominations. Sixty-three agreed to participate and were sent the round one survey; 54 participants from 19 countries completed this survey and were invited to participate in all subsequent rounds. No two definitions of hypersensitivity were the same, while 87% of the definitions for allodynia and 78% for tactile hyperesthesia were concordant with a published taxonomy. Over 700 assessment items were proposed in round one: ultimately 38 items representing eight distinct constructs reached a consensus for assessing allodynia.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapists definitions were consistent with an existing taxonomy for allodynia. Although hypersensitivity conceptualizations varied regarding the qualities of stimulus and response, a working definition was reached. Recommended assessments were relatively consistent internationally, holistic, and reflected a potential link between allodynia and central sensitization.

How should we treat painful sensitivity in the hand? An international e-Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Evidence synthesis suggests allodynia resulting from neuropathic pain has few interventions with clear effectiveness. As research continues to build this needed evidence base, expert consensus recommendations can address the conflicting approaches within current hand therapy practice.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical management of allodynia from an international panel of hand therapists.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an international e-Delphi survey study.

METHODS

We recruited international hand rehabilitation experts to participate in an e-Delphi survey. Consensus was defined as 75% or more of participants agreeing with a recommendation, and at least 3 rounds of consensus building were anticipated. Experts were identified from 21 countries, and clinical vignettes describing a spectrum of patients with painful sensitivity in the hand were provided to elicit treatment recommendations. Initial recommendations were summarized, and consensus sought for clinical practice recommendations.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight participants were invited, with 44 more added through peer nominations. Fifty-four participants from 19 countries completed the initial survey and were invited to participate in all subsequent rounds. Over 900 treatment suggestions were provided from the initial vignettes across domains, including sensory, physical, and functional interventions, education, and cortical representation techniques: 46 ultimately reached consensus. However, important discrepancies in justification (eg, why allodynia should be covered) and implementation of techniques (eg, desensitization, sensory reeducation) were identified as the consensus exercise progressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Experts recommend individually tailored programs to treat allodynia using a variety of physical/movement, sensory-based, and "top-down" approaches; this is highly aligned with contemporary theories, such as the Neuromatrix Model of Pain. However, consensus was not reached on the justification and implementation of some of these approaches, reflecting the lack of a taxonomy and supporting evidence for tactile stimulation approaches in the current literature. Trials directly comparing the effectiveness of these approaches are needed.

Clinical Assessment of Mechanical Allodynia in Youth With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Development and Preliminary Validation of the Pediatric Tactile Sensitivity Test of Allodynia (Pedi-Sense)

Youth with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) commonly experience mechanical allodynia and disability. Assessment of mechanical allodynia is typically binary (present or absent), making it difficult to assess the quality and degree of mechanical allodynia before and after treatment. This study developed and validated the Pediatric Tactile Sensitivity Test of Allodynia (Pedi-Sense) to provide an easy way for rehabilitation clinicians to evaluate mechanical allodynia before and after intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment. The 6 Pedi-Sense items demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability (CR) at admission (CR = .956) and discharge (CR = .973), reasonably fit the hypothesized linear model of stimulus intensity (P < .0001), and significantly loaded onto a single latent factor, mechanical allodynia (P < .0001), at admission and discharge. Pedi-Sense scores significantly correlated with disability (r_s = .40; P = .004) and pain catastrophizing (r_s = .33; P = .017) at admission. The Pedi-Sense appeared responsive to intervention as participants' total scores improved by 1.44 points (95% CI: .72, 2.15) after IIPT interventions that included daily tactile desensitization. However, test-retest and interrater reliability and the specific contribution of desensitization treatment to the overall success of multi-modal pain rehabilitation still needs to be evaluated. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the development and preliminary validation of a novel clinical assessment of static and dynamic mechanical allodynia. The Pediatric Tactile Sensitivity Test of Allodynia (Pedi-Sense) allows rehabilitation clinicians to easily evaluate mechanical allodynia at the bedside with minimal training and simple equipment to guide desensitization treatment in clinical settings.

The relationship between depression, anxiety, and pain interference with therapy referral and utilization among patients with hand conditions

INTRODUCTION

Patients with upper extremity conditions may also experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain that limit functional recovery.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study examined the impact of mental health and pain symptoms on referral rates to therapy and utilization of therapy services to achieve functional recovery among patients with common hand conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients from one orthopedic center.

METHODS

Data extraction provided demographics, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision diagnoses, therapy referral, therapy visit counts, treatment goal attainment, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression, Anxiety, and Pain Interference scores. The chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analyses assessed associations between baseline PROMIS depression, anxiety, and pain interference to therapy referral, the number of therapy visits, and goal attainment.

RESULTS

Forty-nine percent (172/351) of patients were referred to hand therapy. There was no relationship between three baseline PROMIS scores based on physician referral (t-test P values .32-.67) and no association between PROMIS scores and therapy utilization or goal attainment (Pearson correlation (r): 0.002 to 0.020, P > .05). Referral to therapy was most strongly associated with having a traumatic condition (P < .01). Patients with high depression, anxiety, and pain interference scores on average required one more therapy visit to achieve treatment goals (average visits: 3.7 vs 3.1; 4.1 vs 2.7; 3.4 vs 2.3, respectively). Fewer patients with high depression scores (50%) achieved their long-term goals than patients with low depression scores (69%, P = .20).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' baseline level of depressive symptoms and anxiety do not predict referrals to hand therapy by orthopedic hand surgeons. There is some indication that patients with increased depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain interference require more therapy with fewer achieving all goals, suggesting that mental health status may affect response to therapy. Therapists may address mental health needs in treatment plans. Future studies should examine if nonreferred patients with depressive symptoms achieve maximal functional recovery.

Tactile stimulation programs in patients with hand dysesthesia after a peripheral nerve injury: A systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

This is a systematic review performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards.

INTRODUCTION

Diverse approaches based on tactile stimulation are used in hand rehabilitation settings to treat touch-evoked dysesthesias. However, there is a lack of literature synthesis on the description and the effectiveness of the various approaches based on tactile stimulation that can be used for treating hand dysesthesia after nerve injury.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study was to summarize the current evidence on tactile stimulation programs for managing touch-evoked hand dysesthesia due to nerve injury.

METHODS

The search was carried out on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases. The selected studies had to present patients with touch-evoked dysesthesia after nerve injury who were treated with tactile stimulation approaches to reduce pain. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies scale, as well as the risk of bias.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies present tactile stimulation interventions that are heterogeneous relative to the target populations and the intervention itself (desensitization versus somatosensory rehabilitation method). Painful symptoms appear to diminish in patients with touch-evoked hand dysesthesia, regardless of the tactile stimulation program used. However, the included studies present significant risks of bias that limit the confidence in these results.

DISCUSSION

The evidence does not unequivocally support the beneficial effects of tactile stimulation to treat touch-evoked hand dysesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Future studies with more rigorous methodological designs, such as randomized controlled trials, are required to verify the potential benefits of these approaches.

Visual illusions modulate body perception disturbance and pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment of longstanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a challenge, as causal mechanisms remain elusive. People with CRPS frequently report distorted subjective perceptions of their affected limb. Evidence of pain reduction when the affected limb is visually altered in size suggests that visual illusions used to target central processing could restore coherence of this disrupted limb representation. We hypothesized that using virtual reality that alters hand image to match the patient's desired hand appearance would improve body perception disturbance and pain. Also, repeated exposure would maintain any therapeutic effect.

METHODS

A blinded randomized controlled trial of 45 participants with refractory upper-limb CRPS and body perception disturbance (BPD) viewed a digital image of their affected hand for 1 min. The image was digitally altered according to the patient's description of how they desired their hand to look in the experimental group and unaltered in the control group. BPD and pain were measured pre- and post-intervention. A subgroup was followed up 2 weeks after a course of repeated interventions.

RESULTS

BPD (mean-6, ±SD 7.9, p = 0.036, effect size [ES] = 0.6) and pain intensity (mean-0.43, ±SD 1.3, p = 0.047, ES = 0.5) reduced in 23 participants after single exposure compared to controls (n = 22). At follow-up, the subgroup (experimental n = 21; control n = 18) showed sustained pain reduction only (p = 0.037, ±SD 1.9, ES = 0.7), with an overall 1.2 decrease on an 11-point scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Visually changing the CRPS hand to a desired appearance modulates BPD and pain suggesting therapeutic potential for those with refractory CRPS. Further research to optimize this therapeutic effect is required.

SIGNIFICANCE

Visual bodily illusions that change the shape and appearance of the painful CRPS hand to that desired by the patient result in a rapid amelioration of pain and body perception disturbance in people with longstanding CRPS. These findings highlight the future potential of this drug-free approach in the treatment of refractory CRPS.

Virtual Environment Rehabilitation for Patients with Motor Neglect Trial (VERMONT): A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial

BACKGROUND

Motor neglect occurs in patients with chronic pain conditions. Virtual environments (VE) help rehabilitation through biofeedback and improving motivation.

AIM

To assess the feasibility of a VE for patients with motor neglect with chronic pain.

METHODS

10 subjects with chronic pain (Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) underwent a treadmill task three times per week for two weeks. Groups were randomized to receive real-time biofeedback from the VE (intervention) or shown still images (control). Primary outcomes were: (i) distance walked at baseline compared to the final 5 min cycle of week 2; (ii) the Lower Extremity Functional Index (LEFI) questionnaire. A satisfaction questionnaire was used. Follow up was to 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Total distance walked was significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.05), and 33% (2/6) of the intervention group had a clinically important LEFI improvement compared to 0/4 in the control group at week 2. No secondary outcome measures demonstrated any significant differences. The intervention received high satisfaction scores, significantly greater than the control group at week 24. No harms were recorded.

DISCUSSION

This feasibility study showed that VE and treadmill-walking improved walking distances and function for subjects with motor neglect. This is a promising novel approach and requires further validation through larger study.

The Role of Nonmedical Therapeutic Approaches in the Rehabilitation of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Purpose of the Review

Nonmedical therapeutic approaches are fundamental to the management of of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in order to promote the best outcome for patients. This review focuses on three key approaches underpinning CRPS rehabilitation, namely, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, psychological approaches and education and self-management.

Recent Findings

Recently published European standards outline the quality of therapeutic care that people with CRPS must receive. Early initiated therapy is essential to optimise outcomes, underpinned by patient education. Therapists should promote early movement of the affected limb and encourage re-engagement with usual activities as immobilisation is known to have negative outcomes. There is evidence to support the possible long-term benefit of graded motor imagery and mirror therapy. Psychological assessment should include identification of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as treatment of these conditions may improve the trajectory of CRPS. Novel therapies include neurocognitive approaches and those addressing spatial bias, both of which should provide a focus for future research.

Summary

There exists a broad range of nonmedical therapeutic approaches to rehabilitation for CPRS that are thought to be important. However, the evidence for their efficacy is limited. Further research using standardised outcomes would be helpful in developing targeted therapies for the future.

Mechanism-specific rehabilitation management of complex regional pain syndrome: Proposed recommendations from evidence synthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

INTRODUCTION

There are a variety of treatments with demonstrated effectiveness for the management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However given the variability in symptom presentation in this population, therapists may be unsure what treatments would be most effective for individual clients.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To present a brief synthesis of the literature and propose a rehabilitation version of a mechanism-specific management algorithm to guide personalized treatment of CRPS.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines addressing rehabilitation of CRPS. Results were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers and final selection of articles was reached by consensus, Data was extracted using standardized forms, and a single rater gave quality ratings. Both reviewers then used the extracted data to present a synthesis of the evidence categorized by the proposed mechanisms of effect.

RESULTS

A total of 111 articles were retrieved and reviewed for inclusion; 49 were selected for data extraction. A synthesis of the key recommendations was compiled into a rehabilitation-specific version of the mechanism-based management algorithm proposed by Gierthmühlen et al (2014).

CONCLUSIONS

Consideration of mechanism-appropriate rehabilitation interventions may assist therapists to select the most appropriate and effective treatments from the body of evidence supporting rehabilitation of CRPS.

Somatosensory rehabilitation for allodynia in complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb: A retrospective cohort study

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION

Somatosensory rehabilitation is a standardized method of evaluation and conservative treatment of painful disorders of vibrotactile sensation, including the mechanical allodynia and burning pain of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of somatosensory rehabilitation for reducing allodynia in persons with CRPS of 1 upper limb in a retrospective consecutive cohort of patients.

METHODS

An independent chart review of all client records (May 2004-August 2015) in the Somatosensory Rehabilitation Centre (Fribourg, Switzerland) identified 48 persons meeting the Budapest criteria for CRPS of 1 limb who had undergone assessment and treatment. Outcomes of interest were the French version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Questionnaire de la Douleur St-Antoine [QDSA]), total area of allodynia as recorded by mapping the area of skin where a 15-g monofilament was perceived as painful, and the allodynia threshold (minimum pressure required to elicit pain within the allodynic territory).

RESULTS

This cohort was primarily women (70%), with a mean age of 45 years (range: 18-74). Mean duration of burning pain was 31 months (range: 1 week-27.5 years), and baseline QDSA core was 48. The average primary area of allodynia was 66 cm² (range: 2.6-320), and the most common allodynia threshold was 4.0 g. The average duration of treatment was 81 days. At cessation of treatment, the average QDSA score was 20 (effect size Cohen's d = 1.64). Allodynia completely resolved in 27 persons (56% of the total sample where only 58% completed treatment).

DISCUSSION

This uncontrolled retrospective study suggests that somatosensory rehabilitation may be an effective treatment with a large effect size for reducing the allodynia and painful sensations associated with CRPS of the upper limb. More work is in progress to provide estimates of reliability and validity for the measurement tools for allodynia employed by this method.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c.

Is neuroplasticity in the central nervous system the missing link to our understanding of chronic musculoskeletal disorders?

Background

Musculoskeletal rehabilitative care and research have traditionally been guided by a structural pathology paradigm and directed their resources towards the structural, functional, and biological abnormalities located locally within the musculoskeletal system to understand and treat Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). However the structural pathology model does not adequately explain many of the clinical and experimental findings in subjects with chronic MSD and, more importantly, treatment guided by this paradigm fails to effectively treat many of these conditions.

Discussion

Increasing evidence reveals structural and functional changes within the Central Nervous System (CNS) of people with chronic MSD that appear to play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of these disorders. These neuroplastic changes are reflective of adaptive neurophysiological processes occurring as the result of altered afferent stimuli including nociceptive and neuropathic transmission to spinal, subcortical and cortical areas with MSD that are initially beneficial but may persist in a chronic state, may be part and parcel in the pathophysiology of the condition and the development and maintenance of chronic signs and symptoms. Neuroplastic changes within different areas of the CNS may help to explain the transition from acute to chronic conditions, sensory-motor findings, perceptual disturbances, why some individuals continue to experience pain when no structural cause can be discerned, and why some fail to respond to conservative interventions in subjects with chronic MSD. We argue that a change in paradigm is necessary that integrates CNS changes associated with chronic MSD and that these findings are highly relevant for the design and implementation of rehabilitative interventions for this population.

Summary

Recent findings suggest that a change in model and approach is required in the rehabilitation of chronic MSD that integrate the findings of neuroplastic changes across the CNS and are targeted by rehabilitative interventions. Effects of current interventions may be mediated through peripheral and central changes but may not specifically address all underlying neuroplastic changes in the CNS potentially associated with chronic MSD. Novel approaches to address these neuroplastic changes show promise and require further investigation to improve efficacy of currents approaches.

Complex regional pain syndrome: From diagnosis to rehabilitation

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pathology characterised by intense chronic pain associated with vasomotor, sensory and motor dysfunction of the affected limb. Although the pathophysiology of CRPS is not fully understood, it is recognised that inflammatory processes and autonomic dysfunction are involved. These processes are associated with peripheral and central sensitisation as well as changes in brain structure and function, and are reflected in the clinical presentation of CRPS. CRPS management requires an interdisciplinary team and requires the therapeutic approach to be individualised. With regard to pharmacological treatment, bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, ketamine and anticonvulsants have been demonstrated to be effective for CRPS management. Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, has produced promising results but more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Among rehabilitation interventions, there is evidence of the efficacy of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in diminishing CRPS symptoms and achieving a higher level of functioning. In this regard, the rehabilitation modality that seems the most promising according to the actual literature is graded motor imagery, which can help to reverse the maladaptive neuroplasticity occurring in CRPS.

Evaluation of outcomes for patients attending a rehabilitation group after complex hand injury

Introduction

A rehabilitation group intervention has been an established treatment programme for patients with complex hand injuries requiring intensive therapy input.

Methods

A prospective audit of 20 patients was carried out to evaluate the outcomes of those attending the group with regard to improving hand function. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand assessment was employed as a before and after measure of outcome.

Results

Nineteen out of 20 patients demonstrated an improvement in their hand function following group intervention. Patients with injuries uncomplicated by complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) demonstrated the highest level of improvement. Patients with CRPS demonstrated the lowest level of improvement.

Discussion

Group therapy programmes are a valuable tool in delivering intensive therapy intervention to patients with complex hand injuries. Patients with injuries complicated by CRPS may benefit more from individualized therapy intervention.