title: Limitations of conduits in peripheral nerve repairs.
abstract: Nerve conduits have emerged as alternatives to autologous nerve grafts, but their use in large-diameter nerve deficits remains untested. We report four patients who underwent repair of large-diameter nerves using absorbable nerve conduits and discuss the failed clinical outcomes. The reported cases demonstrate the importance of evaluating the length, diameter, and function of nerves undergoing conduit repair. In large-diameter nerves, the use of conduits should be carefully considered.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kasukurthi
authors.forename: Christina K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Magill
authors.forename: H Francis
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Farhadi
authors.forename: Gregory H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Borschel
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mackinnon