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Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Jan 2021Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the paretic peroneal nerve has positive clinical effects on foot drop secondary to stroke. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the paretic peroneal nerve has positive clinical effects on foot drop secondary to stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of FES applied to the paretic peroneal nerve on gait speed, active ankle dorsiflexion mobility, balance, and functional mobility.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched for articles published from inception to January 2020. We included randomized controlled trials or crossover trials focused on determining the effects of FES combined or not with other therapies in individuals with foot drop after stroke. Characteristics of studies, participants, comparison groups, interventions, and outcomes were extracted. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the I statistic.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies providing data for 1115 participants. FES did not enhance gait speed as compared with conventional treatments (i.e., supervised/unsupervised exercises and regular activities at home). FES combined with supervised exercises (i.e., physiotherapy) was better than supervised exercises alone for improving gait speed. We found no effect of FES combined with unsupervised exercises and inconclusive effects when FES was combined with regular activities at home. When FES was compared with conventional treatments, it improved ankle dorsiflexion, balance and functional mobility, albeit with high heterogeneity for these last 2 outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed low quality of evidence for positive effects of FES on gait speed when combined with physiotherapy. FES can improve ankle dorsiflexion, balance, and functional mobility. However, considering the low quality of evidence and the high heterogeneity, these results must be interpreted carefully.
Topics: Electric Stimulation Therapy; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Peroneal Nerve; Physical Therapy Modalities; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Walking Speed
PubMed: 32376404
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2020.03.012 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2022Peripheral neuropathies are a prevalent, heterogeneous group of diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms are often debilitating, difficult to treat, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Peripheral neuropathies are a prevalent, heterogeneous group of diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms are often debilitating, difficult to treat, and usually become chronic. Not only do they diminish patients' quality of life, but they can also affect medical therapy and lead to complications. To date, for most conditions there are no evidence-based causal treatment options available. Research has increased considerably since the last review in 2014 regarding the therapeutic potential of exercise interventions for patients with polyneuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective in this systematic review with meta-analysis was to analyze exercise interventions for neuropathic patients in order to update a systematic review from 2014 and to evaluate the potential benefits of exercise on neuropathies of different origin that can then be translated into practice.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers performed a systematic review with meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Inclusion criteria according to the PICOS approach were: neuropathic patients, exercise interventions only, an inactive or non-exercising control group, and solely randomized controlled trials with the following outcome parameters: neuropathic symptoms, balance parameters, functional mobility, gait, health-related quality of life, and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin).
RESULTS
A total of 41 randomized, controlled trials met all inclusion criteria, 20 of which could be included in the quantitative analysis. Study quality varied from moderate to high. Current data further support the hypothesis that exercise is beneficial for neuropathic patients. This is best documented for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (27 studies) as well as for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) (nine studies), while there are only few studies (five) on all other causes of neuropathy. We found standardized mean differences in favor of the exercise group of 0.27-2.00 for static balance, Berg Balance Scale, Timed-up-and-go-test, nerve conduction velocity of peroneal and sural nerve as well as for HbA1c in patients with DPN, and standardized mean differences of 0.43-0.75 for static balance, quality of life, and neuropathy-induced symptoms in patients with CIPN.
CONCLUSION
For DPN, evidence-based recommendations can now be made, suggesting a combination of endurance and sensorimotor training to be most beneficial. For patients with CIPN, sensorimotor training remains the most crucial component. For all other neuropathies, more high-quality research is needed to derive evidence-based recommendations. Overall, it seems that sensorimotor training has great potential to target most neuropathies and combined with endurance training is therefore currently the best treatment option for neuropathies.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
(PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019124583)/16.04.2019.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Neuropathies; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Glycated Hemoglobin; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34964950
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01596-6 -
JBJS Reviews Jan 2022The common peroneal nerve (CPN) is the most commonly injured peripheral nerve of the lower extremity in patients with trauma. Traumatic CPN injuries have historically...
BACKGROUND
The common peroneal nerve (CPN) is the most commonly injured peripheral nerve of the lower extremity in patients with trauma. Traumatic CPN injuries have historically been associated with relatively poor outcomes and patient satisfaction, although improved surgical technique and novel procedures appear to improve outcomes. Given the variety of underlying injury modalities, treatment options, and prognostic variables, we sought to evaluate and summarize the current literature on traumatic CPN injuries and to provide recommendations from an analysis of the included studies for treatment and future research.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms consisted of variations of "peroneal nerve" or "fibular nerve" combined with "injury," "laceration," "entrapment," "repair," or "neurolysis." Information with regard to treatment modality, outcomes, and patient demographic characteristics was recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 2,301 articles; 42 met eligibility criteria. Factors associated with better outcomes included a shorter preoperative interval, shorter graft length when an interposed graft was used, nerve continuity, and younger patient age. Gender or sex was not mentioned as a factor affecting outcomes in any study. Motor grades of ≥M3 on the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale are typically considered successful outcomes. This was achieved in 81.4% of patients who underwent neurolysis, 78.8% of patients who underwent end-to-end suturing, 49.0% of patients who underwent nerve grafting, 62.9% of patients who underwent nerve transfer, 81.5% of patients who underwent isolated posterior tibial tendon transfer (PTTT), and 84.2% of patients who underwent a surgical procedure with concurrent PTTT.
CONCLUSIONS
Studies included in this review were heterogenous, complicating our ability to perform further analysis. It is not possible to uniformly advocate for the best treatment option, given diverse injury modalities and patient presentations and a variety of prognostic factors. Many studies do not show outcomes with respect to injury modality. Future studies should show preoperative muscle strengths and should clearly define outcomes based on the injury modality and surgical treatment option. This would allow for greater analysis of the most appropriate treatment option for a given mechanism of injury. Newer surgical techniques are promising and should be further explored.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Nerve Transfer; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peroneal Nerve; Peroneal Neuropathies; Tendon Transfer
PubMed: 35020680
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.20.00256 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Sep 2023Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are predominantly treated by anatomical repair or reconstruction with autologous nerve grafts or allografts. Motor nerve transfers for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are predominantly treated by anatomical repair or reconstruction with autologous nerve grafts or allografts. Motor nerve transfers for PNI in the upper extremity are well established; however, this technique is not yet widely used in the lower extremity. This literature review presents an overview of the current options and postoperative results for nerve transfers as a treatment for nerve injury in the lower extremity.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed and Embase databases was performed. Full-text English articles describing surgical procedures and postoperative outcomes of nerve transfers in the lower extremity were included. The primary outcome was postoperative muscle strength measured using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, with MRC> 3 considered good and postoperative return of sensation reported according to the modified Highet classification.
RESULTS
A total of 36 articles for motor nerve transfer and 7 for sensory nerve transfer were included. Sixteen articles described motor nerve transfers for treating peroneal nerve injury, 17 for femoral nerve injury, 2 for tibial nerve injury, and one for obturator nerve injury. Transfers of multiple branches to restore deep peroneal nerve function led to a good outcome in 58% of patients and 43% when a single branch was used as a donor. The transfer of multiple branches for femoral nerve or obturator nerve repair was performed in all reported patients with a good outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
The transfer of motor nerves for the recovery of PNI is a feasible technique with relatively low risks and great benefits. The correct indication, timing, and surgical technique are essential for optimizing results.
Topics: Humans; Nerve Transfer; Neurosurgical Procedures; Lower Extremity; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peroneal Neuropathies; Leg Injuries
PubMed: 37390541
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.06.011 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Mar 2023This systematic review aimed to summarize the full range of complications reported following ankle arthroscopy and the frequency at which they occur. A computer-based...
This systematic review aimed to summarize the full range of complications reported following ankle arthroscopy and the frequency at which they occur. A computer-based search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, and ISI Web of Science. Two-stage title/abstract and full-text screening was performed independently by two reviewers. English-language original research studies reporting perioperative complications in a cohort of at least ten patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy were included. Complications were pooled across included studies in order to derive an overall complication rate. Quality assessment was performed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence classification. A total of 150 studies describing 7,942 cases of ankle arthroscopy in 7,777 patients were included. The overall pooled complication rate was 325/7,942 (4.09%). The most common complication was neurological injury, accounting for 180/325 (55.4%) of all complications. Of these, 59 (32.7%) affected the superficial peroneal nerve. Overall, 36/180 (20%) of all nerve injuries were permanent. The overall complication rate following anterior ankle arthroscopy was 205/4,709 (4.35%) compared to a rate of 35/528 (6.6%) following posterior arthroscopy. Neurological injury occurred in 52/1,998 (2.6%) of anterior cases using distraction, compared to 59/2,711 (2.2%) in cases with no distraction. The overall rate of major complications was 16/7,942 (0.2%), with the most common major complication - deep vein thrombosis - occurring in five cases. This comprehensive systematic review demonstrates that ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure with a low overall complication rate. The majority of complications are minor, with potentially life-threatening complications reported in only 0.2% of patients.
Topics: Humans; Ankle; Arthroscopy; Evidence-Based Medicine
PubMed: 36854323
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.105B3.BJJ-2022-0796.R1 -
Cureus Nov 2020The present systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the sciatic nerve (SN) variants relative to the piriformis muscle (PM) and... (Review)
Review
The present systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the sciatic nerve (SN) variants relative to the piriformis muscle (PM) and compares those variants' prevalence among different geographical populations with respect to gender and laterality. A database search was conducted to identify cadaveric studies pertinent to SN variants relative to the PM. A total of 44 articles were included. The typical morphological pattern (type A, with the SN passing undivided below the PM) was found to be the most common variant, with 90% pooled prevalence. SN variants were more common among East Asians, with a 31% pooled prevalence of total variants. No significant differences were established with respect to gender and laterality. In greater than 10% of the population, the SN coursed through or above piriformis. Patients' epidemiological characteristics may predispose them to certain variants. The common peroneal nerve (CPN) is more susceptible to injury during a total hip arthroplasty or a hip arthroscopy where anomalies are encountered. As anatomical variants are commonly associated with piriformis syndrome, they should always be considered during diagnosis and treatment.
PubMed: 33354475
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11531 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jan 2022The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalence of Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy after total knee arthroplasty in valgus deformities. Furthermore, the...
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalence of Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy after total knee arthroplasty in valgus deformities. Furthermore, the effectiveness of a peroneal nerve release prior to arthroplasty to prevent the palsy will be investigated.
METHODS
PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. Search terms regarding valgus deformity and total knee arthroplasty were used. Data analysis and extraction were performed using the web application 'Rayyan QCRI' according to PRISMA guidelines and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies were included, representing 1397 valgus knees. Knee balancing was performed in 19 studies with lateral soft tissue releases (1164 knees) and 8 studies (233 knees) with an additional osteotomy. Two studies (41 knees) in the lateral soft tissue release group conducted a peroneal nerve release simultaneous to arthroplasty. Common peroneal nerve palsies occurred in 26 cases (1.9%). Overall, no significant difference in palsy ratio between studies was found by using a peroneal nerve release (p = 0.90), between lateral soft tissue releases and osteotomies (p = 0.11) or between releases of specific ligaments.
CONCLUSION
Common peroneal nerve palsies occur in 1.9% of the cases after total knee arthroplasty in valgus deformities. No difference in the number of palsies was seen when using a peroneal nerve release or using different balancing techniques. However, literature about peroneal nerve releases was very limited, therefore, the effectiveness of a peroneal nerve release remains unclear.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
LEVEL III: Systematic review.
PubMed: 35059901
DOI: 10.1186/s40634-021-00443-x -
Arthroplasty Today Dec 2020Common peroneal nerve palsy (CPNP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may impact extremity pain and function. Incidence and rates of recovery of CPNP after TKA vary in...
BACKGROUND
Common peroneal nerve palsy (CPNP) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may impact extremity pain and function. Incidence and rates of recovery of CPNP after TKA vary in the current literature. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the incidence of incomplete and complete CPNP after TKA and rates of incomplete and complete recovery of nerve function in the absence of further surgical treatment.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched for studies published in the years 1970-2019. Studies evaluating incidence and recovery rates of CPNP in the absence of further surgical treatment were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes of interest included incidence of complete and incomplete CPNP and rates of incomplete and complete nerve recovery.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included for qualitative analysis. In total, there were 47,585 TKAs performed, with 203 postoperative CPNPs, for a cumulative incidence of 0.4%. One hundred twenty-nine CPNPs were classified as complete or incomplete palsies. At a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (range, 0-11 years), 24 (39%) complete CPNPs had complete recovery, 34 (56%) had incomplete recovery, and 3 were lost to follow-up. In contrast, 45 (66%) with incomplete CPNPs had complete recovery, 18 (27%) had incomplete recovery, and 5 patients were lost to follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Incidence of CPNP after TKA was 0.4%. Recovery of nerve function after CPNP in the setting of TKA varies by the degree of initial nerve palsy. These data may be used to inform decisions on further interventions and for the purposes of perioperative patient counseling after TKA.
PubMed: 32875016
DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2020.07.017 -
Eplasty 2023The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical repair techniques and the outcomes of sciatic nerve injuries in traumatic wounds. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to investigate the surgical repair techniques and the outcomes of sciatic nerve injuries in traumatic wounds.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using the following keywords: and
RESULTS
In total, 715 studies were retrieved. After abstract review, 13 articles fit the criteria. A total of 2627 repairs were carried out, including nerve grafts (n = 953), suture (n = 482), and neurolysis (n = 1192). Six studies reported good motor outcome, and good sensory outcome was reported across 2 studies. The thigh region accounted for 81.5% of lesions. Sciatic, peroneal, and tibial nerves were all equally affected. Gunshot wounds were the most common mechanism of injury (22.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
The cumulative evidence demonstrates sciatic nerve injury repair has poor motor and sensory outcomes. This study shows there is a lack of standardized outcome measures, making comparisons very difficult. Graft lengths of <4 cm within the intermediate region yielded more successful outcomes. Further higher quality studies of nerve transfers in the lower limbs are needed to determine the optimal repair to restore sciatic nerve function.
PubMed: 37664809
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery :... 2021Although nerve transfer and repair are well-established for treatment of nerve injury in the upper extremity, there are no established parameters for when or which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Although nerve transfer and repair are well-established for treatment of nerve injury in the upper extremity, there are no established parameters for when or which treatment modalities to utilize for tibial nerve injuries. The objective of our study is to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of end-to-end repair, neurolysis, nerve grafting, and nerve transfer in improving motor function after tibial nerve injury. PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, and Embase libraries were queried according to the PRISMA guidelines for articles that present functional outcomes after tibial nerve injury in humans treated with nerve transfer or repair. The final selection included Nineteen studies with 677 patients treated with neurolysis (373), grafting (178), end-to-end repair (90), and nerve transfer (30), from 1985 to 2018. The mean age of all patients was 27.0 ± 10.8 years, with a mean preoperative interval of 7.4 ± 10.5 months, and follow-up period of 82.9 ± 25.4 months. The mean graft repair length for nerve transfer and grafting patients was 10.0 ± 5.8 cm, and the most common donor nerve was the sural nerve. The most common mechanism of injury was gunshot wound, and the mean MRC of all patients was 3.7 ± 0.6. Good outcomes were defined as MRC ≥ 3. End-to-end repair treatment had the greatest number of good outcomes, followed by neurolysis. Patients with preoperative intervals less than 7 months were more likely to have good outcomes than those greater than 7 months. Patients with sport injuries had the highest percentage of good outcomes in contrast to patients with transections and who were in MVAs. We found no statistically significant difference in good outcomes between the use of sural and peroneal donor nerve grafts, nor between age, graft length, and MRC score.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Nerve Transfer; Neurosurgical Procedures; Peroneal Nerve; Sural Nerve; Tibial Nerve; Treatment Outcome; Wounds, Gunshot; Young Adult
PubMed: 34366221
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2021.07.001