Kubis, W. (Weronika) (2019) Evidence-based Medicine in dermatomal research. A qualitative and quantitative analysis. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: The organization of human spinal nerves is segmental. The skin area innervated by one spinal nerve is called a dermatome. Dermatome maps are an essential tool for diagnosis of sensory disorders. Many dermatome maps exist and differ significantly. No consensus exists regarding which map should be used in clinical practice. The origin of dermatome maps is unknown to most physicians and medical students. Little research is done on this matter, even though dermatome maps have been used for decades. Method: An online questionnaire sent to Dutch physicians was used to find out which dermatome maps they use and their opinions and experiences using the maps in clinical practice. The results were tested for significant differences with the Chi-square test. Medical textbooks that are available through the Central Medical Library services were assessed on dermatome map type and source referencing. Studies in which human dermatomes were mapped were retrieved through online databases and assessed on method, subjects, dermatomal levels, findings and quality. Results: The answers of 13 participants showed variety in dermatome use, experience and opinion, the differences were not statistically significant. Out of the 63 textbooks, 14 textbooks referred to the original source, while 31 did not refer to any source. Of the 70 figures, 46 were based on a symmetrical dermatomal pattern, 24 on an asymmetrical pattern. Twenty-one dermatomal studies were included. Conclusion: Physicians mostly use the map from Leerboek Klinische Neurologie (Kuks), which, however, is derived from Haymaker & Woodhall (1953). Keegan & Garrett’s map is used most commonly in medical textbooks, but has an average quality score, in contrast to Foerster, and more recently, Poletti (1991) and Wolff (2001). At present, the method for dermatome mapping with the highest EBM potential is by a combination of nerve root block and electrical root stimulation
| Item Type: | Thesis (Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Groen, Prof dr. G.J. and University Medical Center Groningen, Location Beatrixoord An |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2020 10:55 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2020 10:55 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1542 |
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