Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury in the Philippines: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Traumatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) leads to significant disability.
• Epidemiological data for TPNI in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like the Philippines, are limited.
• Understanding TPNI patterns in diverse settings is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographics, clinical presentation, and injury mechanisms of TPNI patients.
• To evaluate the management and outcomes of TPNI in a Philippine tertiary center.
• To assess the feasibility of TPNI surgical management in resource-limited environments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of TPNI patients from 2013-2019.
• Data collected included demographics, injury etiology, nerve affected, and surgical management.
• Analysis focused on clinical characteristics, treatment, and follow-up status.

Main Results:

• The study included 44 patients with 62 TPNIs, predominantly young males (98%, mean age 35.5 years).
• Common causes were sharp lacerations (39%), stab wounds (23%), hacking (14%), and vehicular crashes (14%).
• Ulnar (36%) and median nerves (32%) were most affected; 80% underwent nerve repair surgery.

Conclusions:

• TPNI in this Philippine cohort primarily affected working-age males due to occupational/domestic accidents.
• Effective surgical management for TPNI is achievable in resource-constrained settings.
• This study highlights the need for TPNI awareness and accessible treatment in LMICs.