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Sim D, Kuo KT, Rodriguez-Silva W, Seal S, Filippi L, Tuffaha S, Elhelali A. Evaluation of Rehabilitation Techniques for Traumatic Ulnar Nerve Injuries After Surgical Repair: A Systematic Review. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 93:478-487. [PMID: 39331746 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000004123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic ulnar nerve injuries often result in significant loss of motor and sensory function, negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Physical rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, but standardized treatment protocols are lacking. This study aims to systematically review rehabilitation techniques to identify future research direction and improve existing protocols for ulnar nerve injury patients. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus were queried from inception until July 31, 2023. Articles containing axonotmesis or neurotmesis injuries of the ulnar nerve were included. Reviews, opinions, editorials, technical reports without clinical outcomes, conference abstracts, non-English text, nonhuman studies, and studies without adult patients were excluded. Three independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction using Covidence, and risk of bias assessments utilizing Cochrane and JBI tools. Because of article heterogeneity, a narrative review was conducted. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database, registration number CRD42023442016. RESULTS This systematic review included one randomized controlled trial and four observational studies (103 patients), which exhibited differences in study quality. Overall, motor and sensory outcomes improved after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation techniques varied widely, and early sensory reeducation appeared to improve sensory function. Only two studies included patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Diverse rehabilitation techniques are used to address ulnar nerve injuries. The low number of included studies, differences in study quality, and small sample size underscore the need for larger and more inclusive studies to improve functional recovery after ulnar nerve injuries. Future research should consider the impact of patient and injury characteristics to develop comprehensive treatment guidelines for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Sim
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | - Keith T Kuo
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | | | | | - Lourdes Filippi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sami Tuffaha
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
| | - Ala Elhelali
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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Chen JJ, Yang CY. Case Report: Supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous to ulnar motor nerve transfer for ulnar nerve neuropathy after cross pinning of pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1398624. [PMID: 39318610 PMCID: PMC11420005 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1398624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulnar nerve neuropathy following pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture fixation with cross pinning poses challenges in management. Despite various treatment strategies, including conservative approaches and early intervention, achieving complete neural recovery remains elusive in some cases. This paper presents a novel approach utilizing supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve transfer for a 13-year-old patient who experienced persistent ulnar neuropathy after K-wire removal. The patient underwent neurolysis of the ulnar nerve followed by nerve transfer, resulting in significant improvement in function and strength. This case highlights the potential efficacy of combining neurolysis and supercharge techniques in pediatric ulnar neuropathy cases refractory to conservative treatment, offering a promising avenue for enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jiun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yuan Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hendry JM, Head LK. Alternative Nerve Coaptations: End-To-Side and Beyond. Hand Clin 2024; 40:369-377. [PMID: 38972681 DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Modern end-to-side (ETS) nerve transfers have undergone several permutations since the early 1990's. Preclinical data have revealed important mechanisms and patterns of donor axon outgrowth into the recipient nerves and target reinnervation. The versatility of ETS nerve transfers can also potentially address several processes that limit functional recovery after nerve injury by babysitting motor end-plates and/or supporting the regenerative environment within the denervated nerve. Further clinical and basic science work is required to clarify the ideal clinical indications, contraindications, and mechanisms of action for these techniques in order to maximize their potential as reconstructive options.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Hendry
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5G2, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queens University, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L3N6, Canada
| | - Linden K Head
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5G2, Canada.
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Abaskhron M, Ezzat M, Boulis AG, Safoury YE. Supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve transfer to restore intrinsic function in high ulnar nerve injury: a prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:566. [PMID: 39033290 PMCID: PMC11264796 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07650-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High ulnar nerve injuries is known to have unfavorable motor outcomes compared to other peripheral nerve injuries in the upper extremity. Functional muscle recovery after peripheral nerve injury depends on the time to motor end plate reinnervation and the number of motor axons that successfully reach the target muscle. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional recovery, and complications following performing supercharge end-to-side (SETS) anastomosis for proximal ulnar nerve injuries. Our study focuses on the role of SETS in the recovery process of high ulnar nerve injury. PATIENT AND METHODS This study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, case series. The original proximal nerve pathology was dealt with according to the cause of injury, then SETS was performed distally. The follow-up period was 18 months. We compared the neurological findings before and after the procedure. A new test was used to show the effect of SETS on recovery by performing a Lidocaine proximal ulnar nerve block test. RESULTS Recovery of the motor function of the ulnar nerve was evident in 33 (86.8%) patients. The mean time to intrinsic muscle recovery was 6.85 months ± 1.3, only 11.14% of patients restored protective sensation to the palm and finger and 86.8% showed sensory level at the wrist level at the end of the follow-up period. Lidocaine block test was performed on 35 recovered patients and showed no change in intrinsic hand function in 31 patients. CONCLUSION SETS exhibit a remarkable role in the treatment of high ulnar nerve damage. SETS transfer can act as a nerve transfer that can supply intrinsic muscles by its fibers and allows for proximal nerve regeneration. We believe that this technique improves recovery of hand motor function and allows recovery of sensory fibers when combined with treating the proximal lesion. TRIAL REGISTRATION Approved by Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University on 01/09/2021 with code number: MD-215-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Abaskhron
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa Ezzat
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Andrew Gamal Boulis
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasser El Safoury
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Kasr Al Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Bateman EA, Larocerie-Salgado J, Ross DC, Miller TA, Pripotnev S. Assessment, patient selection, and rehabilitation of nerve transfers. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1267433. [PMID: 38058570 PMCID: PMC10696649 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1267433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries are common and can have a devastating effect on physical, psychological, and socioeconomic wellbeing. Peripheral nerve transfers have become the standard of care for many types of peripheral nerve injury due to their superior outcomes relative to conventional techniques. As the indications for, and use of, nerve transfers expand, the importance of pre-operative assessment and post-operative optimization increases. There are two principal advantages of nerve transfers: (1) their ability to shorten the time to reinnervation of muscles undergoing denervation because of peripheral nerve injury; and (2) their specificity in ensuring proximal motor and sensory axons are directed towards appropriate motor and sensory targets. Compared to conventional nerve grafting, nerve transfers offer opportunities to reinnervate muscles affected by cervical spinal cord injury and to augment natural reinnervation potential for very proximal injuries. This article provides a narrative review of the current scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of nerve transfers including peripheral nerve injury assessment and pre- and post-operative electrodiagnostic testing, adjuvant therapies, and post-operative rehabilitation for optimizing nerve transfer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A. Bateman
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Douglas C. Ross
- Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A. Miller
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stahs Pripotnev
- Roth McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Tan RES, Jeyaratnam S, Lim AYT. Updates in peripheral nerve surgery of the upper extremity: diagnosis and treatment options. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:391. [PMID: 37970602 PMCID: PMC10632574 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The loss of function resulting from peripheral nerve injuries confers a significant burden to the patient and society. The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries requires an accurate diagnosis and formulation of a functional reconstructive plan. Advances in peripheral nerve imaging complement electrodiagnostic studies, and provide us with detailed information regarding the status of nerve injury, repair, and regeneration in order to prognosticate recovery and determine the need for surgical intervention. When direct nerve repair is not possible, the methods for bridging a nerve gap are the nerve autograft, allograft and conduit. While current research supports the use of conduits and nerve allografts for shorter nerve gaps, the nerve autograft still remains the gold standard for bridging a nerve gap. When direct nerve repair or nerve grafting fails, or is anticipated to be insufficient, nerve transfers are an alternative for reconstruction. Knowledge of axonal counts, upper limb innervation patterns, location and clustering of upper limb peripheral nerves allows for the design of new nerve transfers. The options of nerve transfers for radial, ulnar and median nerve injuries are outlined, as well as their outcomes. Nerve transfers are an attractive option for restoring motor and sensory function while minimizing donor site morbidity. However, one must consider their limitations, and preserve donor sites for secondary tendon transfer options. This article presents the latest information regarding the imaging of peripheral nerves, methods to bridge a nerve gap, and nerve transfers to aid the peripheral nerve surgeon in choosing a reconstructive plan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aymeric Y. T. Lim
- Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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Jerome JTJ, Matsui C. Distal Nerve Transfers in Hand and Forearm for Traumatic Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injuries: A Narrative Review. Indian J Orthop 2023; 57:1347-1358. [PMID: 37609024 PMCID: PMC10441932 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-00965-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Various studies published good outcomes in brachial plexus injuries using nerve transfers for shoulder and elbow functions. However, little is known about the outcome of the distal nerve transfers in the forearm and hand. Targeting the nerve distally produces an early return of function in brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries (BPPNI). Therefore, researchers have focused on nerve transfers from the motor branches of the ulnar, median, and radial nerve. Similarly, sensory reinnervation is also obtained by potential donor transfers in the forearm and hand. There have been various attempts by surgeons to target the muscle and promote early reinnervation by different nerve transfers. Conclusions The distal nerve transfers in the forearm and hand are promising when performed early. It effectively restores hand and forearm functions and may be considered a better option than tendon transfer, which has a one-tendon-one function. This narrative review article discusses the different distal nerve transfers for various presentations of BPNNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Terrence Jose Jerome
- Department of Orthopedics, Hand, and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Olympia Hospital & Research Centre, 47, 47A Puthur High Road, Puthur, Trichy, Tamilnadu 620017 India
| | - Chihiro Matsui
- Department of Orthopedics, Hand, and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Olympia Hospital & Research Centre, 47, 47A Puthur High Road, Puthur, Trichy, Tamilnadu 620017 India
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 113-8431 Japan
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Henriques VM, Torrão FJL, Rosa LAN, Sanches GE, Guedes F. Surgery as an Effective Therapy for Ulnar Nerve Neuropathic Pain Caused by Gunshot Wounds: A Retrospective Case Series. World Neurosurg 2023; 173:e207-e217. [PMID: 36791879 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve injuries remain a major medical problem worldwide and are associated with multiple causes, including gunshot wounds (GSWs), which are the second most common cause of brachial plexus injuries in peacetime and the main, or only, cause reported in wartime studies. The ulnar nerve (UN) is one of the most affected nerves. Peripheral nerve trauma may cause intense neuropathic pain, which is very difficult to control. Particularly UN gunshot injuries may impact individual daily life, as injuries to this nerve result in both sensory and motor deficits within the hand. We evaluated the improvement of neuropathic pain after surgical treatment in a consecutive series of 20 patients with UN injury due to GSWs. METHODS This single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series included 20 patients with UN injuries due to GSWs, who presented with excruciating neuropathic pain and underwent surgical treatment between 2005 and 2017. RESULTS Of injuries, 13 occurred in the right upper limb (65%); 12 patients had a high UN injury (60%). Regarding associated injuries, 8 patients had bone injuries (40%), and 4 patients had arterial injuries (20%). A neuroma in continuity was detected in 8 cases (40%), and 4 patients (20%) had shrapnel lodged within the UN. All patients had severe neuropathic pain and functional deficit, with a mean visual analog scale score of 8.45 ± 1.4 and a mean reduction of 6.95 points 12 months after surgery; 10 patients (50%) had a British Medical Research Council score ≥M3. CONCLUSIONS Surgery is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain from GSWs. Early isolated external neurolysis is associated with better pain management and functional outcomes postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius M Henriques
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (HUGG-Unirio/Ebserh), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Francisco J L Torrão
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (HUGG-Unirio/Ebserh), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Livia A N Rosa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (HUGG-Unirio/Ebserh), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel E Sanches
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (HUGG-Unirio/Ebserh), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Guedes
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (HUGG-Unirio/Ebserh), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pathiyil RK, Alzahrani S, Midha R. Reverse End-to-Side Transfer to Ulnar Motor Nerve: Evidence From Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Neurosurgery 2023; 92:667-679. [PMID: 36757319 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The disappointing outcomes of conventional nerve repair or grafting procedures for proximal ulnar nerve injuries have led the scientific community to search for better alternatives. The pronator quadratus branch of the anterior interosseous nerve has been transferred to the distal ulnar motor branch in a reverse end-to-side fashion with encouraging results. This transfer is now becoming commonly used as an adjunct to cubital tunnel decompression in patients with compressive ulnar neuropathy, underscoring the need for this knowledge transfer to the neurosurgical community. However, the mechanism of recovery after these transfers is not understood completely. We have reviewed the existing preclinical and clinical literature relevant to this transfer to summarize the current level of understanding of the underlying mechanisms, define the indications for performing this transfer in the clinic, and identify the complications and best practices with respect to the operative technique. We have also attempted to identify the major deficiencies in our current level of understanding of the recovery process to propose directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Krishna Pathiyil
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Pathiyil RK, Elzinga K, Umansky D, Midha R. Distal anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar nerve motor branch reverse end-to-side transfer in a case of severe ulnar neuropathy. NEUROSURGICAL FOCUS: VIDEO 2023; 8:V4. [PMID: 36628099 PMCID: PMC9815212 DOI: 10.3171/2022.9.focvid2282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Reverse end-to-side (RETS) distal transfer is gaining popularity in cases of proximal nerve damage with the nerve in continuity, allowing the nerve to potentially retain its ability to regenerate and recover. While preserving the original axon pool, RETS could provide an additional pool of motor axons and/or possibly "babysit" the muscle endplates and distal denervated nerve Schwann cells until reinnervation from the original pool occurs. The authors present a video demonstrating anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow coupled with a distal anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar nerve RETS in a case of severe posttraumatic ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2022.9.FOCVID2282.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Elzinga
- Plastic Surgery, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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