A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study of Outcomes for Digital Nerve Repair in the Hand Using Hollow...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries often require reconstructive options when tension-free closure is not feasible.
• Current methods include allografts and hollow conduits.
• This study compares processed nerve allografts to hollow conduits for digital nerve repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of processed nerve allografts versus hollow conduits for digital nerve reconstruction.
• To evaluate sensory recovery and safety outcomes in patients undergoing nerve repair.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, prospective, randomized, patient- and evaluator-blinded pilot study.
• Participants were randomized to receive either processed nerve allograft or hollow conduit.
• Sensory assessments (static 2-point discrimination) and safety evaluations were performed over 12 months.

Main Results:

• Processed nerve allografts demonstrated better average static 2-point discrimination (5 mm) than hollow conduits (8 mm).
• All allograft repairs showed some sensory recovery, compared to 75% in the conduit group.
• No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Processed nerve allografts resulted in significantly improved and more consistent functional sensory outcomes.
• Allografts represent a promising alternative for digital nerve reconstruction when primary repair is not possible.