Sensory nerve transfers in the upper limb after peripheral nerve injury: a scoping review.
Duraku, Liron S Hundepool, Caroline A Moore, Amy M Eberlin, Kyle R Michiel Zuidam, J George, Samuel Power, Dominic M
Duraku, Liron S
Hundepool, Caroline A
Moore, Amy M
Eberlin, Kyle R
Michiel Zuidam, J
George, Samuel
Power, Dominic M
Abstract
Nerve transfer for motor nerve paralysis is an established technique for treating complex nerve injuries. However, nerve transfer for sensory reconstruction has not been widely used, and published research on this topic is limited compared to motor nerve transfer. The indications and outcomes of nerve transfer for the restoration of sensory function remain unproven. This scoping review examines the indications, outcomes and complications of sensory nerve transfer. In total, 22 studies were included; the major finding is that distal sensory nerve transfers are more successful than proximal ones in succeeding protective sensation. Although the risk of extension of the sensory deficit with donor site loss and morbidity from neuromas remain a barrier to wider adoption, these complications were not reported in the review. Further, the scarcity of studies and small patient series limit the ability to determine sensory nerve transfer success. However, sensory restoration remains an opportunity for surgeons to pursue.Level of evidence: II.
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Date
2023-11-21
Type
Article
Subject
Neurology
Collections
Citation
Duraku LS, Hundepool CA, Moore AM, Eberlin KR, Michiel Zuidam J, George S, Power DM. Sensory nerve transfers in the upper limb after peripheral nerve injury: a scoping review. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2024 Sep;49(8):946-955. doi: 10.1177/17531934231205546. Epub 2023 Nov 21.
Journal / Source Title
Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
DOI
10.1177/17531934231205546
PMID
37987686
Publisher
Elsevier