Return to play and outcomes of surgically treated upper limb nerve entrapment in athletes: a systematic review.

IF 2 3区 医学 Q2 ORTHOPEDICS International Orthopaedics Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06473-9
Jad J Lawand, Diane Saab, Anna Luan, Catherine Curtin, Elisabet Hagert
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Abstract

Purpose: Athletes face a higher risk of upper limb nerve entrapment due to repetitive stress, trauma, and biomechanics. Diagnosis is challenging, and delayed treatment can impair performance. When conservative care fails, surgery may be needed to restore function and enable return to play (RTP).

Methods: This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and evaluated surgical outcomes, RTP rates, and complications in athletes with upper limb nerve entrapment. A comprehensive search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords for surgical interventions, nerve entrapment syndromes, and sports. Eligible studies included case series, cohort studies, and comparative studies that reported postoperative outcomes in athletes. Data extraction included nerve involvement, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and RTP rates.

Results: Thirty-one studies, comprising 1,297 athletes across 23 sports, were included. The most common nerve entrapments involved the ulnar nerve (50.1%), brachial plexus (39.2%), and suprascapular nerve (9.5%). Surgical interventions included ulnar nerve decompression/transposition, first rib resection with scalenectomy for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), and suprascapular nerve decompression. RTP rates ranged from 62 to 100%, with an average of 87%. Suprascapular nerve decompression had the highest RTP success (100%), while TOS demonstrated greater variability (62.5-97%). Functional improvements included pain reduction, increased grip strength, and enhanced patient-reported outcomes. The overall complication rate was low, but TOS procedures had the highest reoperation rates (3.8-27%).

Conclusion: Surgical treatment of upper limb nerve entrapment in athletes yields high RTP rates and functional recovery. Ulnar and suprascapular nerve decompressions show consistent success, while TOS surgery outcomes vary.

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来源期刊
International Orthopaedics
International Orthopaedics 医学-整形外科
CiteScore
5.50
自引率
7.40%
发文量
360
审稿时长
1 months
期刊介绍: International Orthopaedics, the Official Journal of the Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT) , publishes original papers from all over the world. The articles deal with clinical orthopaedic surgery or basic research directly connected with orthopaedic surgery. International Orthopaedics will also link all the members of SICOT by means of an insert that will be concerned with SICOT matters. Finally, it is expected that news and information regarding all aspects of orthopaedic surgery, including meetings, panels, instructional courses, etc. will be brought to the attention of the readers. Manuscripts submitted for publication must contain a statement to the effect that all human studies have been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. It should also be stated clearly in the text that all persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Details that might disclose the identity of the subjects under study should be omitted. Reports of animal experiments must state that the "Principles of laboratory animal care" (NIH publication No. 85-23, revised 1985) were followed, as well as specific national laws (e.g. the current version of the German Law on the Protection of Animals) where applicable. The editors reserve the right to reject manuscripts that do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements. The author will be held responsible for false statements or for failure to fulfil the above-mentioned requirements.
期刊最新文献
Return to play and outcomes of surgically treated upper limb nerve entrapment in athletes: a systematic review. Safety and efficacy of ultrasonic bone scalpel compared with a high-speed drill in spinal surgery: our experience in sixty cases. Lunate bone excision and scaphocapitate arthrodesis in late stages of Kienböck's disease: a long-term prospective study. Outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: evaluation of implant-related, radiographic, and demographic factors influencing durability and revision rates. Experience excellence: celebrate ninety six years of SICOT, fifty years of International Orthopaedics, and orthopaedic history in Spain at SICOT Madrid 2025!
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