Modification of dermatome mapping method for the assessment of Inguinodynia treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinodynia, is a frequent problem in clinical practice. The need to improve its assessment is obvious. Currently, there is a lack of agreement regarding the appropriate way to evaluate this syndrome. The objective of this paper is to illustrate and propose a modification of the dermatome mapping (DM) tool to improve its efficacy, by combining it, using the analogous verbal numerical scale of pain (VANSP) to identify the affected nerves from the dermatome involved, to objectively evaluate pain intensity and to assess the treatment given. Methods: We use the analogous verbal numerical scale of pain (VANSP) to mark the patient’s skin, applied to the method of DM described by Álvarez. We ask the patient to characterize the pain intensity with numbers, beginning with one, for the slightest pain, to 10 for the worst possible pain experienced. After the treatment is given, either if it is conservative, surgical, or neural block, we repeat the mapping to evaluate its effectiveness. Results: We have used this approach since 1997, in several patients with inguinodynia of different etiologies pre- and post-treatment, and it is useful and a more objective evaluation, especially to estimate the result of the treatment given. Conclusion: Dermatome mapping, marking the patient pain points using the VANSP, can provide relevant information for the diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of management results in patients with inguinodynia.