Nerve wrapping for recurrent compression neuropathy: A systematic review.

Background: The recurrence of symptoms following primary nerve compression surgery can occur in up to 25% of cases. Nerve wrapping can be utilised for revision surgery. An ideal barrier should minimise the chance of fibrosis, scarring and allow for adequate nerve gliding. This review evaluates the use of autologous or commercially available allograft and xenograft options as barriers against nerve scarring following revision surgery.

Methods: PubMed, Ovid Embase and Cochrane databases were searched using the All Fields Index. Nine hundred titles underwent title screening with 11 studies being included in the final analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) tool. PRISMA guidelines were followed at all stages and the review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42020182818).

Results: The 11 studies comprised of all case series. In total, 114 patients were included, with ages ranging from 28 to 90. Previously, the number of revision surgeries ranged from 0 to 5. Autologous veins were used in 6 studies, collagen in 3 studies and human amniotic membrane in 2 studies. Improvements in subjective and objective outcomes were seen with all wrap types. Pain was the most common residual symptom (46% of patients). The most common complication was pain at the donor site following vein harvest (19% of patients).

Conclusion: This is the first systematic review to summarise the outcomes of nerve wraps for revision compression neuropathy. While improvements in outcomes were reported, further comparative studies are needed to determine the best nerve wrap.