[Restoration of severed peripheral nerves]

The state of the art in restoration of severed peripheral nerves is outlined. Discussion of the prerequisites for an optimal nerve-repair such as intraneural anatomy of peripheral nerves (topography of nerves in cross-section), techniques for preparation of nerve stumps, lesions in continuity, precise rotational orientation, nerve-suture, interfascicular dissection and nerve-grafting, including harvesting of autologous nerve grafts and finally the postoperative management after restoration of peripheral nerves are discussed.