Electrical stimulation enhances sensory recovery: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Objective: Brief postsurgical electrical stimulation (ES) has been shown to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models following axotomy and crush injury. However, whether this treatment is beneficial in humans with sensory nerve injury has not been tested. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that ES would enhance sensory nerve regeneration following digital nerve transection compared to surgery alone. Methods: Patients with complete digital nerve transection underwent epineurial nerve repair. After coaptation of the severed nerve ends, fine wire electrodes were implanted before skin closure. Postoperatively, patients were randomized to receiving either 1 hour of 20Hz continuous ES or sham stimulation in a double‐blinded manner. Patients were followed monthly for 6 months by a blinded evaluator to monitor physiological recovery of spatial discrimination, pressure threshold, and quantitative small fiber sensory testing. Functional disability was measured using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Results: A total of 36 patients were recruited, with 18 in each group. Those in the ES group showed consistently greater improvements in all sensory modalities by 5 to 6 months postoperatively compared to the controls. Although there was a trend of greater functional improvements in the ES group, it was not statistically significant ( p > 0.01). Interpretation: Postsurgical ES enhanced sensory reinnervation in patients who sustained complete digital nerve transection. The conferred benefits apply to a wide range of sensory functions. Ann Neurol 2015;77:996–1006
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The efficacy of electrical stimulation in restoring sensory perception and motor functions has been shown in numerous studies.
“The efficacy of electrical stimulation (Fig. 3(a)) in restoring sensory perception and motor functions has been shown in numerous studies [103], [104].”
From Active Neural Interface Circuits and Systems for Selective Control of Peripheral Nerves: A Review (2024) · cites this paper as [103]
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Basic mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury and treatment via electrical stimulation
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Active Neural Interface Circuits and Systems for Selective Control of Peripheral Nerves: A Review
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“3(a)) in restoring sensory perception and motor functions has been shown in numerous studies [103], [104].”
- Authors
- Wong, J. N., Olson, J. L., Morhart, M. J., & Chan, K. M.
- Affiliations
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- University of Alberta (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Chan, K. Ming
- Venue
- Annals of Neurology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2015-05-04
- Volume
- 77
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 996-1006
- ISSN
- 0364-5134 (ISSN-L)
- 1531-8249
- OpenAlex
- W1960026168
- Cited by
- 177
- References
- 52
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 29 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 1
- FWCI
- 4.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Annals of Neurology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (RMF82496)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Nerve injury and regeneration
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Peripheral Nerve Disorders
- Keywords
- electrical stimulation, sensory nerve regeneration, sensory reinnervation, pressure threshold, spatial discrimination, postoperative rehabilitation, peripheral nerve injury
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Disability Evaluation, Double-Blind Method, Electrodes, Implanted, Electric Stimulation Therapy, Female, Finger Injuries, Fingers, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Nerve Regeneration, Peripheral Nerves, Treatment Outcome, Recovery of Function
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