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Leis A, Smetana BS, Strohl AB, Styron JF. Comparative Effectiveness Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Peripheral Nerve Repair Using Direct Repair and Connector-assisted Repair. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5927. [PMID: 38983950 PMCID: PMC11233104 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background This clinical literature systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess differences in outcomes between nerves repaired with direct repair (DR) and connector-assisted repair (CAR). Methods A systematic literature review for DR and CAR was performed. Studies from 1980 through August 2023 were included if DR or CAR repairs were performed in upper extremities with nerve gaps less than 5 mm and reported sensory Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC) outcomes or equivalent. Comparative analyses were planned for meaningful recovery (MR) rate (at both S3 and S3+ or better), postsurgical neuroma, cold intolerance, altered sensation, pain, and revision rate. Results There were significant differences in MR rates for CAR and DR. At the MRCC S3 threshold, 96.1% of CAR and 81.3% of DR achieved MR (P < 0.0001). At the MRCC S3+ threshold, 87.1% of CAR and 54.2% of DR achieved this higher threshold of MR (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in neuroma rate or pain scores in our dataset. Altered sensation (dysesthesia, paresthesia, hyperesthesia, or hypersensitivity) was not discussed in any CAR studies, so no analysis could be performed. The revision rate for both procedures was 0%. The proportion of patients with cold intolerance was 46.2% in the DR studies, which was significantly higher than the 10.7% of patients in the CAR group. Conclusions Significantly more patients achieved sensory MR and fewer had cold intolerance when the CAR technique, instead of the DR technique, was performed to repair peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Leis
- From UCI Health, Orange, Calif
- Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, Indianapolis, Ind
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Mayrhofer-Schmid M, Klemm TT, Aman M, Kneser U, Eberlin KR, Harhaus L, Boecker AH. Shielding the Nerve: A Systematic Review of Nerve Wrapping to Prevent Adhesions in the Rat Sciatic Nerve Model. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1431. [PMID: 37888042 PMCID: PMC10607771 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve pathology is frequently encountered in clinical practice among peripheral nerve and extremity surgeons. One major factor limiting nerve regeneration and possibly leading to revision surgeries is the development of traumatic or postoperative adhesions and scarring around nerves. In experimental models, different materials have been studied to limit scar tissue formation when wrapped around nerves. METHODS A systematic review of studies describing nerve-wrapping materials in a non-transectional rat sciatic nerve model was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Literature describing nerve-wrapping methods for the prevention of peripheral nerve scarring in rat sciatic nerve models was identified using PubMed and Web of Science, scanned for relevance and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 15 original articles describing 23 different materials or material combinations for nerve wrapping were included. The heterogeneity of the methods used did not allow a meta-analysis, thus, a systematic review was performed. Out of 28 intervention groups, 21 demonstrated a preventive effect on scar tissue formation in at least one qualitative or quantitative assessment method. CONCLUSIONS The analyzed literature describes a variety of materials from different origins to limit peripheral nerve scarring and adhesions. Thus, a scar-preventive effect by wrapping peripheral nerves as adhesion prophylaxis seems likely. However, a quantitative comparison of the studies to identify the optimal material or technique is not possible with the diversity of used models and study designs. Therefore, further research needs to be performed to identify the optimal nerve wraps to be used routinely in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Mayrhofer-Schmid
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Hand and Arm Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tess T. Klemm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Martin Aman
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Kyle R. Eberlin
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leila Harhaus
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Hand Surgery, Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Rehabilitation, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Arne H. Boecker
- Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Department of Hand- and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Hand Surgery, Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Rehabilitation, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review advances in the diagnostic evaluation and management of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. RECENT FINDINGS Serial multimodal assessment of peripheral nerve injuries facilitates assessment of spontaneous axonal regeneration and selection of appropriate patients for early surgical intervention. Novel surgical and rehabilitative approaches have been developed to complement established strategies, particularly in the area of nerve grafting, targeted rehabilitation strategies and interventions to promote nerve regeneration. However, several management challenges remain, including incomplete reinnervation, traumatic neuroma development, maladaptive central remodeling and management of fatigue, which compromise functional recovery. SUMMARY Innovative approaches to the assessment and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries hold promise in improving the degree of functional recovery; however, this remains a complex and evolving area.
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