[Surgical treatment of nerve lesions]

A peripheral nerve lesion may result in loss of motor and sensory function and pain. Nerve surgery may lead to function recovery or contribute to pain reduction. Different surgical techniques are used depending on the specific type of lesion. Common techniques consist of coapting, grafting, moving or burying the nerve. The outcome depends on the interval between the time the lesion occurred and the time of repair as well as the patient's age. Here we present three case studies of patients with a different type of nerve lesion and its consequences. We describe the specific surgical intervention performed to treat the nerve lesion. Immediate repair of the nerve should be performed when the patient has an open wound. In closed lesions, the decision to repair a damaged nerve depends on the severity of the trauma, the nerve(s) involved, the location and the age of the patient. In general, repair should be performed as soon as possible.