Upper-Extremity Nerve Transfers for Sensation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose

Sensory nerve transfers may be performed to restore protective sensation and tactile perception after peripheral nerve injury in the upper extremity. There is a paucity of literature on the available donor–recipient configurations for sensory nerve transfers. This article presents a systematic review of reported sensory nerve transfers in the upper extremity.

Methods

Original articles published between 1982 and 2022 were searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles describing a sensory nerve transfer were included if patient sensory outcomes were reported. Outcomes were categorized according to the modified British Medical Research Council scale, with an outcome of S3 or better defined as satisfactory.

Results

Of 1,049 articles, 39 met inclusion and quality criteria. Twenty-seven articles were primary research studies reporting on 197 patients who underwent 11 unique nondigital sensory donor nerve transfers and 24 unique digital donor nerve transfer procedures. The most reliable recipient nerve for restoring sensation to the ulnar border of the small finger was proper ulnar digital nerve of the small finger (38 patients, 89% satisfactory sensory outcome). The best available donors for transfer into the proper ulnar digital nerve of the small finger were proper ulnar digital nerve of the long finger (16 patients, 87.5% good sensory outcome) and palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (15 patients, 100% good sensory outcome). To restore sensation along the ulnar border of the thumb and radial aspect of the index finger, the best available donor was the superficial branch of the radial nerve, regardless of transfer into common digital nerve 1 (38 patients, success rate 63%) or directly to proper ulnar digital nerve of the thumb or proper radial digital nerve of the index finger (nine patients, success rates 67%).

Conclusions

Outcomes after sensory nerve transfers are generally good. Surgeons should transfer into a digital nerve recipient when attempting to reconstruct sensation.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.