title: Innovative nerve approximator from external fixator: a quick fix solution.
abstract: The outcome of primary and secondary neurorrhaphy depends on the technical precision followed during the procedure. The aim of the surgery is to establish near-anatomic coaptation and to maintain it without tension at the anastomotic site. A nerve approximator can aid in peripheral neurorrhaphy with optimal tension at the anastomotic site and better maintenance of coaptation of fascicles, but their use is limited because of the high price of the commercially available ones. We describe a simple and inexpensive nerve approximator that can be prepared any time, and according to the need using the universal mini external fixator system. This fixator system is almost always available in an orthopedic and hand operation theater. It is an extremely handy, inexpensive, atraumatic, and user-friendly nerve approximator that can be used clinically to aid and augment the final results of peripheral neurorrhaphy. Its use can also be extrapolated for simulated tendon and nerve repair during microvascular laboratory training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Jagannath B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.forename: Harshvardhan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.forename: K Ghanashyam
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.forename: Deepak M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Binoy
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000601:surgery*