Results of clinical assessment after primary digital nerve repair

We have carried out a retrospective study of 88 consecutive digital nerve repairs in 84 patients who presented to this department between September 1989 and September 1991. 94% of the patients were operated on within 24 hours of the injury, and the nerves were repaired using magnifying loupes (x 4.5) 71 patients were assessed clinically 8 to 32 months post-operatively. 17% of the patients had excellent results, 51.1% good results, 22.8% fair results and 9.1% had poor results. Close correlation between age and recovery of sensation and between smoking and nerve recovery were found. Results were better in nerves that were cut cleanly (64.3% were excellent/good) than in crushed nerves (28.1%). Without the availability of an operating microscope, loupes give a satisfactory result in nerve repair, and this study compares well with reported series.