[Tension relief in nerve sutures]

In short defects up to 25 mm following injuries of peripheral nerves, a method of suturing is outlined using two PDS-ribbons which are sutured to the epineurium, reducing tension at the site of coaptation. The ribbons are 20 mm long and 1 mm wide. They distribute and reduce the tension at the suture site and permit early mobilisation. They induce a restricted scar on the epineurium, maintaining tension relief. Of 105 nerves sutured with this method results have been obtained in 53 cases with an average follow-up time of at least 12 months. The overall results: Median nerve (N = 28) S3-4 64.5%, M3-5 82%. Ulnar nerve (N = 25) S3-4 77%, M3-5 84.5%. Clean cuts had the best results, secondary sutures (with an average interval of 30 days) were somewhat better than primary sutures.