Benign nerve tumours in the upper limb: a registry-based study of symptoms and surgical outcome

Abstract

Surgery for benign nerve tumours is performed for pathoanatomical diagnosis and symptomatic relief, but might cause residual problems. We aimed to assess patient-reported symptoms and disability before and after surgery at a national level. In total, 206 cases surgically treated for a benign peripheral nerve tumour 2010–2019 registered in the Swedish Quality Registry for Hand Surgery (HAKIR; response rates 22–34%) were analysed. Surgery reduced overall disability in the affected limb (QuickDASH 18/100 [IQR 5–36] preoperatively and 5/100 [IQR 0–22] 12 months postoperatively), improved ability to perform daily activities (HQ-8; 11/100 [IQR 0–50] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–20] 12 months postoperatively) and decreased three evaluated pain modalities: pain at rest (HQ-8; 20/100 [IQR 0–40] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–10] 12 months postoperatively), pain on motion without load (HQ-8; 20/100 [IQR 0–40] preoperatively and 0/100 [IQR 0–10] 12 months postoperatively), and pain on load (HQ-8; 24/100 [IQR 1–69] preoperatively and 1/100 [IQR 0–30] 12 months postoperatively). Cold sensitivity was a minor problem both before and after surgery (HQ-8; 0/100 [IQR 0–30] preoperatively and 1/100 [IQR 0–40] 12 months postoperatively). We conclude that surgery for benign peripheral nerve tumours provides good symptomatic relief with low risk for residual problems.