Article
Without sensation the hand is blind – visualizing the return of hand sensation by 3-D Imaging: a validity and proof-of-concept study
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Published: | October 6, 2022 |
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Objectives: Digital nerve lesions result in a loss of sensation at the radial or ulnar aspect of the respective digit. Available tools to monitor the recovery of tactile acuity have been criticized for their lack of validity. Three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of the anesthetic area (AA) could serve as a measurement tool to record return of sensation following surgical repair of digital nerve injuries.
Method: AA were marked on digits of healthy volunteers simulating an impaired cutaneous innervation resulting from a unilateral digital nerve lesion. Models of the respective digit were created with a 3-D camera system to precisely quantify relative and absolute AA for each digit. Operator properties varied with regard to individual experience in 3-D imaging and image processing. The concept was applied clinically for complete digital nerve transections.
Results: Images taken by experienced photographers were rated better quality (p< 0.001) and needed less processing time (p= 0.020). Duration of 3-D model composition was significantly shorter for experienced operators (p= 0.003). Quantification of the relative AA was not altered significantly by experience levels of the photographers (p= 0.425) or the specific operator (p= 0.749). Regression of AA following digital nerve repairs demonstrated the proof of concept.
Conclusions: 3-D imaging allows the precise and reliable quantification of surface areas on digits and can be performed consistently without relevant distortion by lack of examiner experience. Routine 3-D imaging has the great potential to increase knowledge on temporal progress, quantity, and pattern of sensory return following digital nerve injury.