Regeneration of sutured human peripheral nerves: An electrophysiological study

Abstract

Electrophysiological and clinical assessment of recovery of function was undertaken on 34 median and 33 ulnar nerves which had been resutured after complete section 3 1/2 mth to 24 yr previously. An evaluation of different methods of repair was attempted. The authors' results suggested that re-exploration of the site of suture is indicated in the absence of voluntary activity on needle EMG by 7 mth (12 mth for grafts), of an electrically evoked muscle action potential, measurable distal motor latency, or motor nerve conduction velocity by 10 mth (14 mth for grafts), or of clinically detectable voluntary muscle movement by 10 mth after suture. By present techniques of repair, useful prognostic information cannot be obtained by a consideration of sensory parameters either clinical or electrophysiological.