Restoration of upper extremity function after peripheral nerve injuries.
These days injuries to the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity that necessitate total or partial lesion are very common in the household and working environment. With regard to the majority of these injuries, not only plastic surgeons or neurosurgeons must have knowledge  of their correct treatment, but general surgeons as well. The principles of reconstruction of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity are described. The authors refer to immediate and delayed nerve repair, free nerve grafting, free vascularised nerve grafting, tendon transfer for a paralyzed hand, pedicled muscle transfer, functioning free muscle transplantation and neurotization.
Palencár
D
D
Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical School of Comenius University, Ruzinov Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia. palencar@nspr.sk
Janovic
J
J
Hulín
I
I
Kokavec
R
R
D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery* / Q000637:transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013709:Tendon Transfer