Unraveling the mysteries of parsonage turner syndrome: A journey towards optimal management. A systematic review

Abstract

AimsParsonage Turner Syndrome (PTS) is a peripheral neuropathy manifesting as sudden onset pain, muscle weakness, and atrophy. This review aims to analyse long-term outcomes reported in adult patients with PTS, and establish an optimised management approach. MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Articles that met the eligibility criteria were included. Analysis on time to presentation, presentation, interventions and long-term functional outcomes was conducted. All relevant information was collected by two independent reviewers. ResultsTwenty-five studies, comprising 950 PTS patients, were identified. Patients averaged 43.8 years in age, with a F:M ratio of 0.6:1, and presented symptoms spanning 1–24 months prior to seeking medical attention. Management details were elucidated for 402 patients (42 ​%), with 87 ​% managed conservatively. Among conservatively managed patients, over 50 ​% exhibited no improvement. 62/402 (15 ​%) necessitated surgical interventions, including neurolysis, decompression, nerve transfers, and diaphragmatic plication. 25/31 (80.6 ​%) neurolysis cases demonstrated full functional recovery, including pain resolution and full muscle strength, between 1 day and 13 months (average 2.9 months). 2 nerve transfer cases achieved full forward flexion at 2.5 months. Overall, long-term outcomes of PTS, reported at 5–25 months, revealed residual neuropathic pain in 60 ​% and incomplete motor function return in 70 ​% of patients. ConclusionsPTS recognition and referral challenges persist, impeding timely management. While surgical interventions are advocated after three months for incomplete recovery, long-term surgical outcomes are inadequately reported. An optimal surgical strategy for stagnant nerve recovery needs to be devised for this challenging cohort of patients.