Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) often present with variable symptoms, making them
difficult to diagnose, treat, and monitor. When neurologic compromise is inadequately
assessed, suboptimal treatment decisions can result in lasting functional deficits.
There are many available tools for evaluating pain and functional status of peripheral
nerves. However, the literature lacks a detailed, comprehensive view of the data comparing
the clinical utility of these modalities, and there is no consensus on the optimal
algorithm for sensory and pain assessment in PNIs. We performed a systematic review
of the literature focused on clinical data, evaluating pain and sensory assessment
methods in peripheral nerves. We searched through multiple databases, including PubMed/Medline,
Embase, and Google Scholar, to identify studies that assessed assessment tools and
explored their advantages and disadvantages. A total of 66 studies were selected that
assessed various tools used to assess patient's pain and sensory recovery after a
PNI. This review may serve as a guide to select the most appropriate assessment tools
for monitoring nerve pain and/or sensory function both pre- and postoperatively. As
the surgeons work to improve treatments for PNI and dysfunction, identifying the most
appropriate existing measures of success and future directions for improved algorithms
could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Keywords
peripheral nerve injuries - peripheral nerves - recovery of function - treatment outcomes
- sensation
