This current concepts review from JBJS (2013) covers the full spectrum of peripheral nerve injury management — from anatomy and Seddon/Sunderland classification through direct repair, conduit selection, and grafting strategies — synthesizing clinical and experimental evidence to guide surgical decision-making in nerve laceration and reconstruction.
When you encounter a sharp peripheral nerve laceration, confirm the gap: <2.5 cm favors tension-free primary repair, <3 cm with tension favors a conduit (especially for digital nerves), and larger gaps — particularly those requiring motor recovery. Mandate autograft as the most reliable option.
When radial nerve palsy accompanies a closed humeral shaft fracture, expectant management is appropriate first-line, as 68% recover spontaneously without exploration.
This current concepts review from JBJS (2013) covers the full spectrum of peripheral nerve injury management — from anatomy and Seddon/Sunderland classification through direct repair, conduit selection, and grafting strategies — synthesizing clinical and experimental evidence to guide surgical decision-making in nerve laceration and reconstruction.
When you encounter a sharp peripheral nerve laceration, confirm the gap: <2.5 cm favors tension-free primary repair, <3 cm with tension favors a conduit (especially for digital nerves), and larger gaps — particularly those requiring motor recovery. Mandate autograft as the most reliable option.
When radial nerve palsy accompanies a closed humeral shaft fracture, expectant management is appropriate first-line, as 68% recover spontaneously without exploration.