Nerves in Continuity Following Hand Trauma: A Descriptive Report.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Acute hand and wrist trauma can cause nerve injuries even when nerves remain in continuity.
• Early intervention is crucial for optimizing functional recovery in patients with these injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical presentation and outcomes of nontransected nerve injuries in acute hand/wrist trauma.
• To understand the recovery patterns and symptom resolution in patients with nerves in continuity after trauma.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 20 patients (18-70 years) with hand/wrist trauma and nerves in continuity (Zones II-V).
• Exclusion of patients with full or partial nerve transection.
• Data collection included injury mechanism, strength/sensation deficits, and symptom resolution (full, partial, none).

Main Results:

• 75% of patients exhibited nerve function impairment before or shortly after surgery.
• Only 23% of patients achieved full sensory recovery without direct nerve treatment.
• 57% of patients with post-surgical pain experienced complete pain resolution.

Conclusions:

• A majority of patients with intact nerves in continuity after hand/wrist trauma present with nerve injury symptoms.
• Recovery is typically slow, with a minority experiencing significant functional improvement or pain relief.