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END-TO-SIDE NERVE SUTURE IN THE HUMAN PATIENT

Ulrich Mennen

Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Medical University of Southern Africa and Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, P O Box 186, Medunsa 0204, Pretoria, South Africa

Correspondence to: Dr Ulrich Mennen, Professor and Head, Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Medical University of Southern Africa and sGa-Rankuwa Hospital, P O Bos 186, Medunsa 0204, Pretoria, South Africa

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218810498000040Cited by:17 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

End-to-side nerve suture (also called terminolateral neurorrhaphy) has been extensively examined clinically, histologically, electro-physiologically and electron microscopically in the rat and non-human primat (Chacma baboon: Papua ursinus). We have demonstrated good to excellent sensory in motor function results in the human patient for a variety of nerve injuries.

The simplicity of the procedure, the relative wide tolerance of the operative technique and the virtual consistent early recovery of both sensory and motor function, makes this method ideal for nerve injury surgery. Nerve grafts to a large extent are obviated and brachial plexus surgery gets a whole new meaning. The first 22 patients are presented.