[Results of regeneration after peripheral nerve injuries]

Based on a group of distal injuries of the median and ulnar nerve the authors evaluate the results of peripheral nerve regeneration. For evaluation of the results and comparison with other work they emphasize the necessity of adherence to objective criteria of a useful degree of reinnervation. In their opinion the most suitable criterium is evaluation of sensitive reinnervation respecting the discrimination test up to 12 mm in the entire autozone of the nerve. The results of suture depend on the technique, interval (injury-operation) and the patient's age. In acute operations 45% of the patients of all age groups achieved the useful grade of sensitive regeneration. In late operations, where the degree of useful regeneration was achieved only in 19% of patients, the authors draw attention to the fact that a successful outcome was achieved only in patients under 30 years. The main prerequisite of successful regeneration of peripheral nerves in according to the authors early diagnosis and treatment in the acute period. With regard to the declining regeneration potential with advancing age early treatment is much more important in patients older than 30 years. Microsurgical technique is a condition sine qua non.