title: Nerve gaps.
abstract: Peripheral nerve injury is a significant problem affecting greater that 1 million people around the world each year and poses major challenges to the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. When primary nerve repair is not possible, several options for management of the nerve gap include a nerve autograft, nerve conduit, and acellular nerve allograft. For extensive and proximal nerve injuries, cellular nerve allografts and nerve transfers may be considered. This article reviews the indications and outcomes for each option, as in many cases more than one option may be acceptable.
authors.affiliation: St. Louis, Mo. From Washington University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Neil F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Sachanandani
authors.forename: Aravind
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pothula
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Tung
mesh_terms: D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome