Nerve grafting for lower-extremity injuries.
Nine patients were evaluated following nerve grafting of segmental injuries to the peroneal or sciatic nerve. Using a device that quantitated ankle dorsiflexion strength, the average return in strength was 11% recovery of the contralateral leg (correlating to motor grade M2). Four patients had a functional degree of motor recovery (grade M3 or M4), which corresponded to an average ankle dorsiflexion strength of 21% of the contralateral leg. The return of protective sensation occurred in all patients. Even though nerve grafts were required, repair of the peroneal and sciatic nerves provided enough motor function to decrease the need for full-time bracing in four of the nine patients, and provided protective sensation in all the patients.
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