Nerve Repair

Successful nerve repair requires an appropriate assessment of the injury combined with a functional examination that may need to be repeated over time. In this chapter, the authors review the key principles of nerve repair in order to maximize functional outcomes in patients with devastating nerve injuries. Managing nerve injuries requires careful patient evaluation; an understanding of the degree, timing, and extent of nerve injury; and consideration of the mechanism of injury. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of primary nerve repair, nerve autografts, synthetic nerve conduits, and processed nerve allografts. The indication for each of these techniques is discussed. Also discussed is the postoperative management of the reconstructed nerve patient.