[When should peripheral nerves be grafted? (author's transl)].

Abstract

In the presence of peripheral nerve damage, the only acceptable procedure is suture without tension, carried out under excellent conditions of fascicular approximation. In the case of loss of substance, immediate or secondary suture should never be performed. In the experience of "S.O.S. Main" secondary suture has led to the most disastrous results. Nerve graft, as an emergency, is legitimate in the case or reimplantations, in view of the high degree of technical competence of the teams, and the experience acquired. Deffered nerve graft is envisaged at about the end of the second month:--either in the absence of suture,--or in the absence of recovery. When there is any doubt, further examination at the 4 th or 5 th month ensures that treatment is not delayed too long. At all events, examinations must be repeated every two months in order to study nerve regrowth and to determine the need for possible though difficult reoperation if it stops.