Outcome of Tendon Transfers for Radial Nerve Palsy in a Malaysian Tertiary Centre

The comparative efficacy of nerve transfer versus tendon transfer in the management of radial palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is no clear census as to which operative technique provides better recovery for radial nerve injuries. Therefore, in this systematic review, we examined the functional recovery, patient-reported outcomes, and complications of tendon transfer (TT) and nerve transfer (NT).

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched for studies (>10 cases per study) comparing NT and TT regardless of the study design (observational or experimental). Manual search was also conducted. The quality was assessed by the NIH tool. Outcomes included functional recovery, patient-reported outcomes (DASH score, satisfaction, and inability to return to work), and complications. The prevalence was pooled across studies using STATA software, and then, a subgroup analysis based on the intervention type.

Results

Twenty-one studies (542 patients) were analyzed. Excellent recovery, assessed by the Bincaz scale, was higher in the TT group (29 % vs. 11 %) as well as failure to extend the fingers (49 % vs. 9 %). No significant difference was noted between both groups regarding DASH score (mean difference = -2.76; 95 % CI: -12.66: 6.93). Satisfaction was great in the TT group (89 %) with a limited proportion of patients unable to return to work (7 %). Complications were slightly higher in the TT group (8 % vs. 7 %) while 18 % of patients undergoing TT requiring revision surgery. Radial deviation was encountered in 18 % of patients in the TT group and 0 % in the NT group. The quality was good, fair, and poor in 2, 13, and 6, respectively.

Conclusions

In radial nerve injuries, although tendon transfer may seem to provide better functional motor recovery than nerve transfer, it is associated with a higher rate of failure to extend the finger. Given the large confidence interval, the accuracy of this finding is questioned. However, a great proportion of those patients require revision surgery afterward. Additionally, tendon transfer is associated with a greater complication rate than nerve transfer, particularly radial deviation.

Predictors of functional outcome after peripheral nerve injury and compression

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION

Upper-extremity peripheral nerve injuries can impact long-term pain, work performance, and disability, yet there are few studies evaluating treatment outcomes for a large sample of patients with varying peripheral nerve pathology.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to identify outcomes of care and predictors of disability and health status in adults with peripheral nerve injuries.

METHODS

We explored medical records from 364 patients treated by a plastic surgeon over a three-year period. Descriptive and inferential statistics compared the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Short-Form 8, and routine intake data between baseline and discharge, diagnosis, and intervention group. Multivariate linear regression models predicted disability, work disability, and physical and mental health at discharge.

RESULTS

We found significant improvements in disability, work disability, pain, depression, and stress. Health status changed minimally. Disability decreased most in patients who were working and who had symptoms fewer than six months. Outcomes were not statistically different between surgical and nonsurgical patients. Disability was the highest in patients with brachial plexus injuries. Multivariate models predicted 35 to 55% of the variance in the outcome measures. Factors that were highly predictive of functional outcomes included work status, household management, pain, depression, stress, and difficulty sleeping.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with peripheral nerve injuries experience improved pain and disability whether treated surgically or nonsurgically. Maintaining engagement in meaningful home and work roles may improve outcomes. Helping patients manage pain remains important, along with combatting stress, depression, and sleep deprivation.

Presentation and Management Outcome of High Radial Nerve Palsy with Tendon Transfers

Background

This randomized clinical trial was carried out to document the clinical presentation of isolated high radial nerve palsy (high RNP) and compare the outcome of triple tendon transfers.

Methods

The study included patients of all genders and ages who presented with isolated high RNP. Half of them were randomly assigned to the flexor carpi radialis set (FCR-set) of tendon transfers (group A) and a half to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU-set) of tendon transfers (group B).

Results

Out of 44 patients, 38 were males, and 6 were females. The age ranged from 7 years to 55 years. 26(59.09%) patients had primary RNP in association with fractures of the humerus. The postoperative mean disability of arm, shoulder, and hand score (Quick DASH-11 score) for the patients in the FCR-set of transfers was 34.54%% versus 41.81% for the FCU-set of transfers. 11 patients (25%) developed radial deviation deformity.

Conclusion

RNP was predominantly found among males of the young age group, and the majority of the cases resulted from preventable causes. The triple tendon transfers among patients of the two groups robustly restored the lost extension of the wrist and digits in a matching way. The patients also subjectively reported remarkable improvement in terms of the favorable Quick-DASH-11 scores. Radial deviation deformity occurred among half of the patients who underwent the FCU set of tendon transfers.