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Morbidity following sural nerve harvesting: a prospective study
Roberto S Martins1, Rafael A Barbosa, Mario G Siqueira
1Peripheral Nerve Surgery Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, São Paulo University, School of Medicine, Brazil. robar@ig.com.br
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|March 20, 2012
Summary
Sural nerve harvesting leads to temporary sensory loss and mild symptoms like pain and numbness, which resolve within 3-6 months. Donor site morbidity is acceptable, with significant sensory recovery observed in the first year post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Peripheral Nerve Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Sural nerve grafts are utilized in various reconstructive surgeries.
- Assessing donor site morbidity is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Understanding sensory recovery patterns after nerve harvest is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate donor site morbidity following sural nerve harvesting.
- To specifically assess the recovery of sensory loss in the harvested nerve distribution.
- To quantify the area of reduced sensation and symptom resolution.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 38 subjects undergoing sural nerve harvest.
- Evaluation of symptoms related to nerve excision.
- Quantification of sensory deficit area using touch sensation tests.
- Periodic assessments up to 1 year post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in sensory deficit observed between evaluations (p<0.05).
- Sensory deficit decreased by 26.85% (3 months), 20.69% (6 months), and 24.29% (12 months).
- Common symptoms included shock-like pain (7.5%), stabbing pain (7.5%), and numbness (5%), all resolving spontaneously within 3-6 months.
Conclusions:
- Sural nerve harvesting is associated with acceptable donor site morbidity.
- Symptoms related to sural nerve excision are transient and resolve within 3-6 months.
- Significant sensory recovery occurs in the first year after sural nerve harvest.
