RESUMO
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the main anatomical variants and morphofunctional alterations in the lower limb that compress surrounding nervous structures in the gluteal region, thigh region, and leg and foot region. Methods: We searched the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception up to October 2023. An assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA) was used to evaluate methodological quality, and the Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool for case reports was also used. Forest plots were generated to assess the prevalence of variants of the gluteal region, thigh, and leg. Results: According to the forest plot of the gluteal region, the prevalence was 0.18 (0.14-0.23), with a heterogeneity of 93.52%. For the thigh region, the forest plot presented a prevalence of 0.10 (0.03-0.17) and a heterogeneity of 91.18%. The forest plot of the leg region was based on seven studies, which presented a prevalence of 0.01 (0.01-0.01) and a heterogeneity of 96.18%. Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis showed that, in studies that analyzed nerve compressions, the prevalence was low in the thigh and leg regions, while in the gluteal region, it was slightly higher. This is mainly due to the PM region and its different variants. We believe that it is important to analyze all the variant regions defined in this study and that surgeons treating the lower limb should be attentive to these possible scenarios so that they can anticipate possible surgical situations and thus avoid surgical complications.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding the mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with different types of diabetes and how this pain affects different functional and structural components of the neuroanatomical pain pathways. The review also seeks to provide guidelines for the best approach and treatment for patients experiencing this type of pain. The objective is to determine the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in improving functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type I and type II. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in improving functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus type I and type II. METHODS: We systematically search MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: The findings of this review show that different forms of ALA do not present statistically significant changes for any of the scales included, including total symptom score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -3.59, confidence interval [CI] = -4.16 to -3.02, and P < .00001), neuropathy impairment score (SMD = -1.42, CI = -3.68 to 0.84, and P = .22), and neuropathy symptom checklist (SMD = -0.09, CI = -0.15 to -0.02, and P = .01). CONCLUSION: In comparison to the use of a placebo, the findings suggest that ALA does not exhibit significant differences in terms of pain reduction and different functional scales. Moreover, no specific dosages are identified to support the use of ALA for the reduction of neuropathic pain.
