TY - JOUR
T1 - Sensory nerve transfers in the upper limb after peripheral nerve injury
T2 - a scoping review
AU - Duraku, Liron S.
AU - Hundepool, Caroline A.
AU - Moore, Amy M.
AU - Eberlin, Kyle R.
AU - Michiel Zuidam, J.
AU - George, Samuel
AU - Power, Dominic M.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - 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
AB - 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
UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85177580890&origin=inward
U2 - 10.1177/17531934231205546
DO - 10.1177/17531934231205546
M3 - Review article
C2 - 37987686
SN - 1753-1934
JO - Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume
JF - Journal of Hand Surgery: European Volume
ER -