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Digital nerve calcification in CREST syndrome
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Surgical removal of calcification in CREST scleroderma patients relieved pain but did not restore nerve sensibility. This highlights challenges in managing nerve complications in systemic sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- CREST syndrome, a variant of systemic sclerosis, can manifest with painful digital nerve calcification.
- Nerve entrapment and calcification are potential complications impacting quality of life.
Observation:
- A case of CREST variant scleroderma with symptomatic digital nerve calcification is described.
- The patient experienced significant pain due to the calcification.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the nerve calcification successfully alleviated the patient's pain.
- Despite pain relief, there was no improvement in nerve sensibility or function post-surgery.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention may be effective for pain management in digital nerve calcification associated with scleroderma.
- Preservation or restoration of nerve sensibility remains a challenge, warranting further research into treatment strategies.