Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Neurology Special Topics, vol.7, no.2, pp.42-48, 2014 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
ABSTRACT
Millesi started the microsurgical techniques currently used for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries in the 1960s. Despite, surgical techniques have improved over the past years, the clinical outcomes following nerve repair have still remained unsatisfactory. Following complete transection of a nerve primary tensionless end-to-end repair should be preferred. Nerve allografts are utilized for large, otherwise irreparable injuries. Nerve transfers use redundant nerve fibers for a proximal nerve injury. The autograft is used to reconstruct a nerve gap. Both end-to-side and nerve concuits are used for noncritical sensory injuries. Each nerve repair technique presents with its own advantages and disadvantages.The ideal reconstructive technique is chosen with regards to patient dependent factors, achievable functional results and surgeon's preference. This review article is aimed to discuss briefly the morphological changes occuring following a nerve injury and the experimental nerve repair models and techniques with regards to the current literature.
Keywords: Peripheral nerve injuries; nerve regeneration; experimental models