Nerve lesions
Injuries to the nerves can often be found through cuts and stump injuries at the upper extremities. In the lower extremeties they also often occur as a result of accidents but also as unwanted side effects of operations. Injuries to nerves should be treated immediately, if possible. The earlier a nerve is reconstructed the better are the chances for regeneration because the nerve has to grow back to its muscle or the area of skin from the location of the injury. This only takes place slowly - it can be assumed that the nerve grows at a speed of about 0.5 to 1mm a day. This implies that when a nerve is hurt at the level of the upper arm the hand can only be used again after about three quarters of a year to a year at the earliest.
Therefore, early supply of the nerve is necessary in order to prevent muscles and skin from degenerating. The immediate primary repair of the nerve under the microscope is the best way. If this is not possible, a nerve reconstruction by means of a transplant has to be made within 3 months. This nerve graft is normally taken from the sural nerve of the leg. It's excision only leads to a slight numbness at the outer side of the foot. This piece of nerve can then be used as brigde to reconstruct the injured nerve and thus leads to regeneration.
