Correlation between Anatomical Segments of the Pudendal Nerve and Clinical Findings of the Patient with Pudendal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND

The objective was to describe clinical findings and outcomes of patients with pudendal neuralgia in relation with the anatomical segment affected.

METHODS

Fifty-one consecutive patients with chronic perineal pain (CPP) located in the areas supplied by the pudendal nerve (PN), from January 2011 to June 2012, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The distribution of pain at perineal, dorsal clitoris and inferior anal nerves was 92.2, 31.4 and 25.5% respectively. The duration of pain was longer when the dorsal clitoris nerve (DCN) was affected (p < 0,003). The pain in the pudendal canal was frequently associated with the radiation of pain to the inferior members (p < 0.043).

CONCLUSION

CPP and radiation of pain to lower limbs suggest a disorder at the second segment of PN. A positive Tinel sign in the third segment indicates a nerve entrapment. In terminal branches, pain was more frequent at the perineal nerve and more persistent at the DCN.