Analysis of outcome reporting in common peroneal neuropathy studies: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: There is a strong need for the development of core outcome sets (COS) across nerve surgery to allow for improved data synthesis, meta-analyses, and reporting consistency. Development of a core outcome set typically starts with assessing the literature for previously reported outcome measures. Common peroneal neuropathy (CPN) is the most common compressive mononeuropathy of the lower extremity and can result in pain, motor, and sensory deficits. A COS for COmmon PEroneal neuropathy (COS-COPE) is needed to improve future study design and comparison and synthesis of data. The goal of the current study was to assess the literature for outcomes reported in studies on CPN as the first step in the development of a COS.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature from 2000 to 2023 was performed utilizing PubMed and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Identified articles were screened according to study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Outcome measures reported in each included study were recorded and categorized into motor, sensory, pain, composite foot/ankle score, electrodiagnostics, function/disability patient-reported outcome (PRO), psychological, or other outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: A total of 31 articles met criteria for inclusion. A motor outcome was reported in 26 (83.9%) studies; 12 (38.7%) reported a sensory outcome; 8 (25.8%) reported a pain outcome; 4 (12.9%) reported a composite foot/ankle score; 3 (9.7%) reported electrodiagnostics; 1 (3.2%) reported a function/disability PRO; 1 (3.2%) reported a psychological outcome; 2 (6.5%) reported an imaging outcome; 3 (9.7%) reported other outcomes. Across the studies, 29 distinct outcome measures were reported.

Conclusions: The outcomes reported in studies on CPN are varied and inconsistent. It is likely that a combination of motor, sensory, pain, and functional outcomes will be needed in a COS to best study CPN. These data will serve as a baseline for the ultimate development of the COS-COPE.