• Joanne F M Macaré van Maurik, Britt ter Horst, Mireille van Hal, Moshe Kon, and Edgar J G Peters.
• Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands j.f.m.macare@umcutrecht.nl.
• Clin Rehabil. 2015 Oct 1; 29 (10): 994-1001.

ObjectiveTo 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.DesignNon-blinded randomized controlled trial.SettingSingle center study performed at the University Medical Center Utrecht between 2010-2013.SubjectsPatients 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.InterventionUnilateral 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 MeasuresPreoperatively 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.ResultsThirty-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.ConclusionsThere 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.© The Author(s) 2014.

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