Necrotic Granulomatous Inflammation after Use of Small Intestine Submucosa Matrix for Recurrent Compression Neuropathy

Abstract

Various techniques exist for treating recurrent carpal and ulnar tunnel syndrome, but AxoGuard nerve wrap has shown promising results for treatment of compression neuropathies when used in conjunction with neurolysis and tenosynovectomy. Prior results demonstrate no safety concerns, and there have not been any reported cases of infection, persistent inflammation, or recurrent perineural fibrosis. A 41-year-old, right-hand-dominant woman experienced repeated bouts of carpal and ulnar tunnel syndromes, which were treated with a small intestine submucosa matrix wrap around the median and ulnar nerves in the wrist. Here, we report a case of necrotic granulomatous inflammation 2.5 months after AxoGuard xenograft nerve wrap was placed around the median and ulnar nerves. As a salvage, NuShield placental allograft was wrapped around the median nerve, which has shown promising results at several months follow-up. Placental allograft nerve wraps represent a useful tool in compression neuropathy resistant to autografts, xenografts, and revision decompression operations.