[Results of the microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves using a functional anatomical follow-up procedure]

Between 1969 and 1980 in a total of 557 patients 623 severed peripheral nerves were reconstructed by microsurgical technique. In 31,1% of the cases primary reconstruction was performed, in 18,6% secondary reconstruction and in 50,3% a free nerve transplantation. For evaluation we used a functional anatomic technique. The best results occurred after direct suturing without tension. In children results were much better than in adults. In free nerve transplantation results depended on length of nerve gap.