The long term result of digital nerve repair in no-man's land

30 isolated lesions of digital nerves which had been repaired by microsurgical techniques were examined in 27 patients. The average length of follow-up was 25 months (range: 12-48 months). Patients were assessed subjectively using a visual analogue scale and examined for light touch, pain, two-point discrimination, electrical conductance and sensory threshold. Although 37% of fingers regained normal two-point discrimination, only 27% of patients graded their overall result as excellent and 40% complained of persistent hyperaesthesia for up to two years. None felt that their finger had regained normal sensation. All patients undergoing digital nerve repair should be warned that hyperaesthesia may persist for several years and that an adult will never regain normal sensation.