Purpose
The aim of this study was to review the literature to determine the prevalence of
cold sensitivity in upper extremity nerve compression syndromes and the impact of
treating nerve compression syndromes on cold sensitivity.
Methods
Following a standardized scoping review protocol, this study included interventional
and observational study designs assessing patients with cold sensitivity and upper
extremity nerve compression syndromes. Review articles, case reports, and small case
series (n < 5) were excluded. The abstracts and eligible full texts were screened
by 2 independent reviewers. Data were extracted and reported according to PRISMA extension
for scoping reviews statement.
Results
Three databases were searched (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and CINAHL on EBSCO); 274
references were reviewed. Fifteen studies from the database search and 8 studies from
the reference search were eligible for this review (n = 23). Two interventional and
21 observational studies were identified. The most common method for assessing cold
sensitivity was cold pain threshold testing (n = 12), followed by subjective patient
reporting (n = 4). The Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity questionnaire was the most
common validated patient-reported outcome questionnaire used in the studies (n = 3).
Cold sensitivity was most commonly reported in carpal tunnel syndrome (96% of the
studies). The prevalence of cold sensitivity in nerve compression syndromes ranged
from 20% to 69%. Nerve decompression improved the severity of cold sensitivity in
5 of 6 studies where cold sensitivity was studied.
Conclusions
There is heterogenicity in the studies assessing cold sensitivity in nerve compression
syndromes. Despite moderate prevalence in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, cold
sensitivity is understudied. Within the limitations of eligible studies reviewed,
surgical decompression improved the severity of cold sensitivity in some studies.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic IV.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 20, 2021
Accepted:
June 17,
2021
Received:
July 23,
2020
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
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© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
