Pectoralis Minor Tenotomy with Occasional Secondary Neurolysis Significantly Reduces Self-Reported Pain and Headaches Across Heterogenous Chronic Pain Disorders of the Upper Limb
Randomized trial finds significant pain and headache reductions in patients with diverse chronic pain disorders, indicating potential treatment efficacy.
Key Points
This research aims to determine the effectiveness of pectoralis minor tenotomy combined with neurolysis in reducing pain and headaches across various chronic upper limb disorders.
318 patients diagnosed with chronic pain disorders underwent pectoralis minor tenotomy and, if needed, secondary neurolysis after 3 months.
Clinical outcomes measured included Visual Analogue Scale pain scores, shoulder abduction range of motion, and occurrence of occipital headaches.
Patient characteristics were noted with an average age of 51, and follow-up duration was 22 months.
Average pain scores decreased from 7.3/10 to 2.1/10 (p < 0.001).
Shoulder abduction range of motion improved from 96 to 170 degrees (p < 0.001).
Occurrence of occipital headaches decreased from 76.7% to 1.6% (p < 0.001).