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Calcagni M, Besmens IS. The role of patient-reported outcomes in peripheral nerve surgery. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2024:17531934241243031. [PMID: 38641930 DOI: 10.1177/17531934241243031] [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] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Measuring the outcome of peripheral nerve surgery is challenging because of the spectrum of functional impairment is dependent on the level and severity of the lesion. There are no nerve-specific patient-reported outcome measures, and no universally accepted outcome measurement both in terms of the parameters to be assessed and the methods and timing of the assessment. Nevertheless, the use of patient-reported outcome measures is fundamental to better understand the needs and expectations of patients, to take advantage of all treatment opportunities to offer the best possible support to these patients. This paper outlines current concepts in the measurement of outcome in peripheral nerve surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Calcagni
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Inga S Besmens
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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McMorrow LA, Czarnecki P, Reid AJ, Tos P. Current perspectives on peripheral nerve repair and management of the nerve gap. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2024:17531934241242002. [PMID: 38603601 DOI: 10.1177/17531934241242002] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
From the first surgical repair of a nerve in the 6th century, progress in the field of peripheral nerve surgery has marched on; at first slowly but today at great pace. Whether performing primary neurorrhaphy or managing multiple large nerve defects, the modern nerve surgeon has an extensive range of tools, techniques and choices available to them. Continuous innovation in surgical equipment and technique has enabled the maturation of autografting as a gold standard for reconstruction and welcomed the era of nerve transfer techniques all while bioengineers have continued to add to our armamentarium with implantable devices, such as conduits and acellular allografts. We provide the reader a concise and up-to-date summary of the techniques available to them, and the evidence base for their use when managing nerve transection including current use and applicability of nerve transfer procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam A McMorrow
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Piotr Czarnecki
- Department of Traumatology, Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery & Burns, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Pierluigi Tos
- Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy
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Elhelali A, Tuffaha S. A Systematic Review of Registered Clinical Trials for Peripheral Nerve Injuries. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:e32-e54. [PMID: 38527351 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003899] [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: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) significantly impact daily functionality and necessitate effective treatment strategies. Clinical trials play a crucial role in developing these strategies. However, challenges like retrospective data collection, reporting biases, inconsistent outcome measures, and inadequate data sharing practices hinder effective research and treatment advancements. This review aims to analyze the landscape of reporting, methodological design, outcome measures, and data sharing practices in registered clinical trials concerning upper extremity PNIs. It seeks to guide future research in this vital area by identifying current trends and gaps.A systematic search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to November 10, 2023, using a combination of MeSH terms and keywords related to upper extremity nerve injury. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed, and the studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of findings was performed, with statistical analysis for associations and completion rates.Of 3051 identified studies, 96 met the inclusion criteria. These included 47 randomized controlled trials, 27 nonrandomized trials, and others. Sensory objective measures were the most common primary outcomes. Only 13 studies had a data sharing plan. The analysis revealed varied intervention methods and inconsistencies in outcome measures. There was a significant association between study funding, design, and completion status, but no association between enrollment numbers and completion.This review highlights the need for standardized outcome measures, patient-centered assessments, and improved data sharing in upper extremity PNI trials. The varied nature of interventions and inconsistency in outcome measures indicate the necessity for more rigorous and transparent research practices to strengthen the evidence base for managing these injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Elhelali
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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4
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Murphy RNA, Rogers SK, Bhatti W, Wong JK, Reid AJ. A pilot prospective cohort study using experimental quantification of early peripheral nerve regeneration with high-frequency three-dimensional tomographic ultrasound (HFtUS). Sci Rep 2023; 13:15175. [PMID: 37704699 PMCID: PMC10499886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantification of peripheral nerve regeneration after injury relies upon subjective outcome measures or electrophysiology assessments requiring fully regenerated neurons. Nerve surgeons and researchers lack objective, quantifiable information on the site of surgical repair and regenerative front. To address this need, we developed a quantifiable, visual, clinically available measure of early peripheral nerve regeneration using high-frequency, three-dimensional, tomographic ultrasound (HFtUS). We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of adult patients with ulnar and/or median nerve injury of the arm undergoing direct epineurial repair within 5 days of injury. Assessment of morphology, volumetric and 3D grey-scale quantification of cross-sectional views were made at baseline up to 15 months post-surgery. Sensory and motor clinical outcome measures and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded. Five participants were recruited to the study. Our data demonstrated grey-scale values (an indication of axonal density) increased in distal stumps within 2-4 months after repair, returning to normal as regeneration completed (4-6 months) with concomitant reduction in intraneural volume as surgical oedema resolved. Two patients with abnormal regeneration were characterized by increased intraneural volume and minimal grey-scale change. HFtUS may quantify early peripheral nerve regeneration offering a window of opportunity for surgical intervention where early abnormal regeneration is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph N A Murphy
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK.
| | - Steven K Rogers
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Manchester Academic Vascular Research and Innovation Centre (MAVRIC), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Waqar Bhatti
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Jason K Wong
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
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Wilcox M, Rayner MLD, Guillemot‐Legris O, Platt I, Brown H, Quick T, Phillips JB. Serum neurofilament light chain measurements following nerve trauma. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:500-507. [PMID: 37349878 PMCID: PMC10659102 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal functional recovery following peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) is dependent upon early recognition and prompt referral to specialist centres for appropriate surgical intervention. Technologies which facilitate the early detection of PNI would allow faster referral rates and encourage improvements in patient outcomes. Serum Neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurements are cheaper to perform, easier to access and interpret than many conventional methods used for nerve injury diagnosis, such as electromyography and/or magnetic resonance imaging assessments, but changes in serum NfL levels following traumatic PNI have not been investigated. This pre-clinical study aimed to determine whether serum NfL levels can: (1) detect the presence of a nerve trauma and (2) delineate between different severities of nerve trauma. METHODS A rat sciatic nerve crush and common peroneal nerve crush were implemented as controlled animal models of nerve injury. At 1-, 3-, 7- and 21-days post-injury, serum samples were retrieved for analysis using the SIMOA® NfL analyser kit. Nerve samples were also retrieved for histological analysis. Static sciatic index (SSI) was measured at regular time intervals following injury. RESULTS Significant 45-fold and 20-fold increases in NfL serum levels were seen 1-day post-injury following sciatic and common peroneal nerve injury, respectively. This corresponded with an eightfold higher volume of axons injured in the sciatic compared to the common peroneal nerve (p < .001). SSI measurements post-injury revealed greater reduction in function in the sciatic crush group compared with the common peroneal crush group. CONCLUSIONS NfL serum measurements represent a promising method for detecting traumatic PNI and stratifying their severity. Clinical translation of these findings could provide a powerful tool to improve the surgical management of nerve-injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wilcox
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research UnitRoyal National Orthopaedic HospitalLondonUK
| | - Melissa L. D. Rayner
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Owein Guillemot‐Legris
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Isobel Platt
- UCL Medical SchoolUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Hazel Brown
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research UnitRoyal National Orthopaedic HospitalLondonUK
| | - Tom Quick
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research UnitRoyal National Orthopaedic HospitalLondonUK
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal ScienceUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - James B. Phillips
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Frostadottir D, Chemnitz A, Johansson OT LJ, Holst J, Dahlin LB. Evaluation of Processed Nerve Allograft in Peripheral Nerve Surgery: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5088. [PMID: 37383478 PMCID: PMC10299771 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005088] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries cause substantial problems when not treated properly. A specific problem is reconstruction of nerve defects, which can be treated in different ways. This study aimed to systematically review whether processed nerve allograft (PNA) is justified in reconstruction of a nerve defect in patients after posttraumatic or iatrogenic peripheral nerve injury and to compare PNA with other established methods. Methods A systematic review with a focused question, PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) and constraints, was performed. A structured literature search, including several databases, was done to evaluate the existing evidence for outcomes and postoperative complications related to PNA. The certainty of evidence was classified according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. Results No conclusions, concerning differences in outcome of nerve reconstruction using PNA compared with the use of nerve autograft or conduits, could be drawn. The level of certainty for all evaluated outcomes was very low (⊕◯◯◯). Most published studies lack a control group to patients treated with PNA; being only descriptive, making it difficult to compare PNA with established methods without substantial risk of bias. For studies including a control group, the scientific evidence was of very low certainty, due to a low number of included patients, and large, undefined loss of patients during follow-up, rendering a high risk of bias. Finally, the authors often had financial disclosures. Conclusion Properly conducted randomized controlled trial studies on the use of PNA in reconstruction of peripheral nerve injuries are needed to establish recommendations in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drifa Frostadottir
- From the Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Translational Medicine—Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anette Chemnitz
- From the Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Jan Holst
- Department of Vascular Disease, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Research and Education, HTA syd, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- From the Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Translational Medicine—Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Adcock KS, Danaphongse T, Jacob S, Rallapalli H, Torres M, Haider Z, Seyedahmadi A, Morrison RA, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, Hays SA. Vagus nerve stimulation does not improve recovery of forelimb motor or somatosensory function in a model of neuropathic pain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9696. [PMID: 35690673 PMCID: PMC9188565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13621-3] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury affecting the upper limb is a leading cause of lifelong disability. Damage to the nerves in the arm often causes weakness and somatosensory dysfunction ranging from numbness to pain. Previous studies show that combining brief bursts of electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with motor or tactile rehabilitation can restore forelimb function after median and ulnar nerve injury, which causes hyposensitivity of the ventral forelimb. Here, we sought to determine whether this approach would be similarly effective in a model of radial nerve injury that produces allodynia in the ventral forelimb. To test this, rats underwent complete transection of the radial nerve proximal to the elbow followed by tubular repair. In the first experiment, beginning ten weeks after injury, rats received six weeks of tactile rehabilitation, consisting of mechanical stimulation of either the dorsal or ventral region of the forepaw in the injured limb, with or without concurrent VNS. In a second experiment, a separate cohort of rats underwent six weeks of forelimb motor rehabilitative training with or without paired VNS. Contrary to findings in previous models of hyposensitivity, VNS therapy fails to improve recovery of either somatosensory or motor function in the forelimb after radial nerve injury. These findings describe initial evidence that pain may limit the efficacy of VNS therapy and thus highlight a characteristic that should be considered in future studies that seek to develop this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Adcock
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Tanya Danaphongse
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Sarah Jacob
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Harshini Rallapalli
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Miranda Torres
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Zainab Haider
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Armin Seyedahmadi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Robert A Morrison
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA. .,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.
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Wong J, Murphy M, Wu YF, Murphy R, Frueh FS, Farnebo S. Basic science approaches to common hand surgery problems. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2022; 47:117-126. [PMID: 34472390 DOI: 10.1177/17531934211042697] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The field of hand surgery is constantly evolving to meet challenges of populations with increasing age and higher demands for active living. While our surgical care has improved over the last decades, it seems that future major improvement in outcomes of clinical treatment will come through advances in biologics and the translation of major discoveries in basic science. This article aims to provide an update on where basic science solutions may answer some of the most critical issues in hand surgery, with a focus on augmentation of tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Wong
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Manchester and Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Murphy
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Manchester and Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ya Fang Wu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ralph Murphy
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, Manchester, UK.,Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Manchester and Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Florian S Frueh
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Farnebo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Burns, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Wilcox M, Dos Santos Canas L, Hargunani R, Tidswell T, Brown H, Modat M, Phillips JB, Ourselin S, Quick T. Volumetric MRI is a promising outcome measure of muscle reinnervation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22433. [PMID: 34789795 PMCID: PMC8599480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of outcome measures that can track the recovery of reinnervated muscle would benefit the clinical investigation of new therapies which hope to enhance peripheral nerve repair. The primary objective of this study was to assess the validity of volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as an outcome measure of muscle reinnervation by testing its reproducibility, responsiveness and relationship with clinical indices of muscular function. Over a 3-year period 25 patients who underwent nerve transfer to reinnervate elbow flexor muscles were assessed using intramuscular electromyography (EMG) and MRI (median post-operative assessment time of 258 days, ranging from 86 days pre-operatively to 1698 days post- operatively). Muscle power (Medical Research Council (MRC) grade) and Stanmore Percentage of Normal Elbow Assessment (SPONEA) assessment was also recorded for all patients. Sub-analysis of peak volitional force (PVF), muscular fatigue and co-contraction was performed in those patients with MRC > 3. The responsiveness of each parameter was compared using Pearson or Spearman correlation. A Hierarchical Gaussian Process (HGP) was implemented to determine the ability of volumetric MRI measurements to predict the recovery of muscular function. Reinnervated muscle volume per unit Body Mass Index (BMI) demonstrated good responsiveness (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). Using the temporal and muscle volume per unit BMI data, a HGP model was able to predict MRC grade and SPONEA with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.73 and 1.7 respectively. Muscle volume per unit BMI demonstrated moderate to good positive correlations with patient reported impairments of reinnervated muscle; co- contraction (R2 = 0.63, p = 0.02) and muscle fatigue (R2 = 0.64, p = 0.04). In summary, volumetric MRI analysis of reinnervated muscle is highly reproducible, responsive to post-operative time and demonstrates correlation with clinical indices of muscle function. This encourages the view that volumetric MRI is a promising outcome measure for muscle reinnervation which will drive advancements in motor recovery therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wilcox
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK. .,UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK. .,University College London Medical School, London, UK.
| | | | - Rikin Hargunani
- Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | - Tom Tidswell
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Hazel Brown
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.,UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marc Modat
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James B Phillips
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tom Quick
- Peripheral Nerve Injury Research Unit, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK.,UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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