Surgical outcomes of upper extremity neuropathies caused by benign soft tissue tumours.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of surgical excision for upper extremity neuropathies caused by benign soft tissue tumours and investigates the impact of tumour characteristics on clinical presentation and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 34 patients (mean age 45 years) who underwent surgical excision for tumour-related nerve compression between 2016 and 2020. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessments were performed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the visual analogue scale for pain.

RESULTS: The most common pathologies were lipoma (n = 13) and schwannoma (n = 7). Postoperatively, the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved significantly from 41 (IQR, 30 to 52) to 15 (9 to 21). Similarly, the median visual analogue scale score decreased from 6.5 (5.0 to 7.0) to 2.0 (1.0 to 2.0). Preoperative motor neuropathy (n = 9), larger tumour volume and diabetes mellitus (n = 8) were significantly associated with worse postoperative functional scores (p < 0.05). No major complications or recurrences were observed at the 6 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of benign soft tissue tumours causing upper extremity neuropathy leads to significant functional improvement and pain reduction. Preoperative motor deficits, larger tumour volume and diabetes are significant negative prognostic indicators. This study provides an evidence-based framework for managing patient expectations regarding postoperative recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.