Assessment of Motor Function in Peripheral Nerve Injury and Recovery

Introduction Peripheral nerve injuries can be difficult to diagnose, treat, and monitor given their highly variable presentation. When the status of nerves is not accurately assessed, treatment may be delayed or overlooked and can result in lasting functional deficits. As our understanding of nerve repair and generation evolves, so will tools for evaluating both the functional and morphological status of peripheral nerves. Objective There is currently no single article which provides a detailed, comprehensive view of the literature comparing the clinical utility of various assessment modalities. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the optimal assessment algorithm for peripheral nerve injuries. Methods We performed a literature review using a comprehensive combination of keywords and search algorithm. The search was focused on clinical data regarding the assessment of peripheral nerves Results: This review may help to determine the appropriate tools that are currently available for monitoring nerve function both pre and postoperatively. Additionally, the review demonstrates possible roles and areas of improvement for each tool used to assess motor function. Conclusion As surgeons work to improve treatments for peripheral nerve injury and dysfunction, identifying the most appropriate existing measures of success and future directions for improved algorithms could lead to improved patient outcomes.