Complications of Nerve Injury and Repair

Nerve injuries can be diagnosed by an adequate neurological examination. Because nerve damage is possible among patients with fractures, lacerations, and other forms of trauma, a neurological examination of the extremity should be performed as soon as possible after the injury. When patients have signs of nerve injury due to penetrating trauma, immediate exploration and repair are indicated. Repairing nerve injuries shortly after they occur has been shown to improve outcome. Knowledge of the general anatomy of peripheral nerves is important for understanding of nerve injuries and their potential for regeneration. Most nerve injuries leave nerves in gross continuity. The most common causes of such injuries are compression, blunt trauma, and traction. Nerve transfers may be of benefit in the setting of proximal nerve injury such as a brachial plexus injury where the distance to the end organ precludes nerve grafting.