The Clinical journal of pain
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Quantitative sensory testing is a reference method for characterization of postsurgical neuropathic components. Correct interpretation of data requires detailed information concerning the validity of the testing methods. The objective of the study was to assess the test-retest variability of thermal thresholds in patients (n = 14) with the postthoracotomy pain syndrome. ⋯ In patients with postthoracotomy pain syndrome, several statistical methods indicated an excessively high variability in thermal thresholds, questioning the use of single quantitative sensory testing in assessments to characterize patients with chronic pain states.
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Mirror-image sensory dysfunction (MISD) has not been systematically characterized in persistent postoperative pain. ⋯ MISD is a common finding in PTPS patients and deserves further study involving mechanism and clinical implications.