Resistance of primary microsurgical repair of palmar digital nerves to finger mobilization: A cadaver study

S Salazar Botero; J J Hidalgo Diaz; E Pire; S Honecker; A Pereira; V Matter-Parrat; P A Liverneaux

doi:10.1016/j.hansur.2016.05.001

Resistance of primary microsurgical repair of palmar digital nerves to finger mobilization: A cadaver study

Hand Surg Rehabil. 2016 Sep;35(4):280-282. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2016.05.001. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Authors

S Salazar Botero¹, J J Hidalgo Diaz¹, E Pire¹, S Honecker¹, A Pereira¹, V Matter-Parrat¹, P A Liverneaux²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Hand Surgery, SOS main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, FMTS, University of Strasbourg, Icube CNRS 7357, 10, avenue Baumann, 67400 Illkirch, France.
² Department of Hand Surgery, SOS main, CCOM, University Hospital of Strasbourg, FMTS, University of Strasbourg, Icube CNRS 7357, 10, avenue Baumann, 67400 Illkirch, France. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 27781992
DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2016.05.001

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the resistance of microsurgically repaired proper palmar digital nerves (PPDN) to mobilization. Thirty-nine PPDN from fresh forearms cadavers were transected and then sutured using 10/0 nylon. After skin closure, each finger was forcefully flexed and extended 10 times. Out of the 39 repaired nerves, two were elongated and four were ruptured; this amounts to a 15.38% complication rate. We recommend immobilization of nerve repairs, although this contradicts most recent studies.

Keywords: Digital nerve; Immobilisation; Immobilization; Microchirurgie; Microsurgery; Nerf digital.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cadaver
Fingers / innervation*
Humans
Microsurgery*
Plastic Surgery Procedures
Postoperative Complications / etiology*
Radial Nerve / injuries
Radial Nerve / surgery*
Range of Motion, Articular*
Rupture / etiology
Treatment Failure
Ulnar Nerve / injuries
Ulnar Nerve / surgery*