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Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume)
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Articles

Cold Intolerance Following Peripheral Nerve Injury

Natural history and factors predicting severity of symptoms

M. S. IRWIN
S. E. A. GILBERT
G. TERENGHI
R. W. SMITH
C. J. GREEN

From the Blond Mclndoe Centre, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead and the Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK

Correspondence: Mr M. S. Irwin, Blond Mclndoe Centre, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3DZ, UK.

Cold intolerance can be severe and debilitating following injury to the hand. Little is known about its natural history and factors predicting symptom severity. We looked retrospectively at upper limb peripheral nerve injuries over a 12-year period. Information was obtained using a patient questionnaire and patient records. The incidence of cold intolerance was 83%. In 48% the onset of symptoms was within 1 month of the initial injury. At a mean follow-up of 51 months improved symptoms were reported by 21%, while 18% deteriorated. Patients were more likely to develop cold intolerance if they smoked and less likely if they suffered a sharp injury. A score defining the severity of cold induced symptoms, based on the information collected, was calculated for each patient. Significantly increased severity was associated with complete nerve division, median and ulnar nerve division and an associated vessel injury. Symptom improvement was significantly more likely in non-smokers and a deterioration most likely with a high severity score.

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 22, No. 3, 308-316 (1997)
DOI: 10.1016/S0266-7681(97)80392-0
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This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J Hand Surg Eur VolHome page
T. VAKSVIK, K. HETLAND, M. ROKKUM, and I. HOLM
Cold Hypersensitivity 6 To 10 Years after Replantation or Revascularisation of Fingers: Consequences for Work and Leisure Activities
J Hand Surg Eur Vol., February 1, 2009; 34(1): 12 - 17.
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