A new model instrument for outcome after nerve repair

Transection and repair of major nerve trunks in the forearm is a trauma that can have severe functional and life-changing consequences for the individual, and the functional outcome is influenced by mechanisms in the peripheral and central nervous systems. The authors review here the developmental process of the recently introduced Model instrument for outcome after nerve repair at wrist or distal forearm level, including a new test instrument for assessment of tactile gnosis. This diagnosis-specific model instrument includes assessments reflecting sensory, motor and pain/discomfort aspects. The outcome, calculated from the model instrument with a numeric scoring system, supports the authors' hypothesis that the summarized test results reflecting specific impairments correlate well with the patient's opinion of the impact of the nerve injury on activities of daily living. A reference interval for the outcome is also included, with the estimated 95% predicted values for the outcome that showed ongoing improvements up to 5 years after the nerve repair.