[Surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Evaluation of a multicenter study]

In a retrospective study 674 nerve injuries of the upper limb were analysed, which were treated by operative management in 10 hospitals of the GDR. The median nerve (226 cases) and the ulnar nerve (209 cases) most were frequently concerned. 427 injured nerves were reconstructed primary or early secondary. In 46.3% epineural nerve suture was performed and in 23% interfascicular nerve grafting. Good or very good results occurred in 71% (motor recovery) and 70.7% (sensory recovery) according to the scheme of Highet. The best results occurred after primary reconstruction independent of operative technique. The results get worse with increasing age.