Impact of an Interdisciplinary Peripheral Nerve Board on the Management of Peripheral Nerve Injuries: A Prospective Study

Although interdisciplinary treatment boards are well established in oncology, their use in the management of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) remains limited. In this prospective study, we present the impact of a monthly interdisciplinary peripheral nerve board on PNI management.

Data were collected prospectively on specialty participation and cases discussed at our institution's monthly interdisciplinary peripheral nerve board from January 2025 to October 2025. Data was collected on the duration of case discussion, presenting specialty, injury location/mechanism, and suggested changes in management approach.

A total of 53 cases were presented across 9 meetings, with an average discussion time of 5.9 minutes per case. A median of 7 attending physicians participated per meeting, representing specialties including neurosurgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, radiology, neurology, and physiatry. Neurosurgery presented 41 (77.4%) cases, followed by plastic surgery with 10 (18.9%) cases. Of 48 evaluable cases, the most common mechanism of injury was trauma (41.7%), and the brachial plexus was the most affected structure (31.0%). Management changes were recommended in 17 (35.4%) cases. Among 22 cases with a preconference surgical plan, 9 (40.9%) had a suggested modification, most commonly additional imaging or adjustments to the surgical approach.

Regular multidisciplinary discussion fostered collaboration and resulted in substantive changes to management in over one-third of cases. Incorporating multidisciplinary boards into PNI care may enhance decision-making and optimize outcomes.