To reverse or not to reverse? A systematic review of autograft polarity on functional outcomes following peripheral nerve repair surgery

Background The literature describing the best clinical practice for proximal–distal autograft orientation, otherwise known as nerve graft polarity, is inconsistent. With existing disparities in the peripheral nerve literature, the clinical question remains whether reversing nerve autograft polarity...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMicrosurgery Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 169 - 174
Main Authors Roberts, S. E., Thibaudeau, S., Burrell, J. C., Zager, E. L., Cullen, D. K., Levin, L. S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2017
Subjects
Autografts - surgery
Humans
Nerve Regeneration - physiology
Peripheral Nerve Injuries - surgery
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods
Recovery of Function
Transplantation, Autologous - methods
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Background The literature describing the best clinical practice for proximal–distal autograft orientation, otherwise known as nerve graft polarity, is inconsistent. With existing disparities in the peripheral nerve literature, the clinical question remains whether reversing nerve autograft polarity bears an advantage for nerve regeneration. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature using Embase and PubMed databases (1940–June 2015) was performed to retrieve all original articles on the effects of nerve autograft polarity on nerve regeneration and functional recovery following primary repair of peripheral nerve defects. Results The initial database search yielded 318 titles. Duplicate exclusion, title review and full text review yielded six articles which directly compared nerve autograft polarity. Histological, morphometric, electrophysiological, and behavioral outcomes were reviewed. All retained articles were animal studies, of which none demonstrated significant differences in outcomes between the normal and reversed polarity groups. A reversed graft may ensure that regenerating nerve fibers are not lost at branching points, however this may not translate into improved function. Conclusion There is insufficient data to suggest that nerve autograft polarity has an impact on nerve regeneration and functional outcomes.
Bibliography:Equivalent first co‐authors
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Funding Information
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ISSN:0738-1085
1098-2752
DOI:10.1002/micr.30133