Outcome of Repaired Digital Nerve Injuries in Children – Influence of Age in a Retrospective Long-Term Follow-Up: Level 4 Evidence

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Do children with a repaired digital nerve injury regain normal sensation and hand function and does age correlate with outcome? Eighty-two children, aged 1-16 years at the time of injury, were treated for a digital nerve injury between 2002-2009 at our department. All children were invited for a follow up, including clinical evaluation (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, grip strength, VAS for function and cosmetic) and questionnaires (QuickDASH, CISS). Thirty-eight children (46%) accepted and outcome was evaluated at a median of 40 months (range 12-131 months) after the injury. The study population was divided into two groups – a young group (n=18) with age 0-10 years and an older group (n=20) with age 11-16 years. Most children were boys, who were injured at home and by a cut. The level of digital nerve injury was in 20/38 (53%) patients distal to the PIP-joint and the remaining patients had an injury between the PIP-joint and the distal volar crease. The index finger was the most frequently injured finger. The median Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS) was 37 (8-137). All patients regained normal sensation based on monofilament test with limited affected hand function, although some cold sensitivity remained. We found no significant difference between younger and older children concerning HISS, Cold Sensitivity Severity Scale (CISS), QuickDASH, VAS or grip power. No correlation between age and perception of touch (i.e. monofilament test) was found. •Children (0-16 years) have an excellent recovery after a digital nerve injury and repair.•Age of the children did not affect outcome.•The majority of children have some degree of cold sensitivity.•No major hand disability was found irrespective of age.