Publication:

Sensory outcomes after repair of median and ulnar nerve with nerve graft

Background Peripheral nerve injuries in upper extremities are common. These injuries have significant impact on patient’s life. Appropriate treatment is important for patients to regain functional recovery.

Methods Study conducted on patients treated on Department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery from January 2018 to May 2019. Study was done to evaluate the sensory recovery of median and ulnar nerve in the forearm after defects were repair by autologous nerve graft. Evaluation was performed in 24 patients. Rating of sensibility was presented by British medical research council scale. Satisfactory sensory recovery was defined as MRC grading S3+ and S4.

Results We evaluate the result of  median and ulnar nerve reconstruction as regards to factors affecting functionally the result of operation, which are age, injury level, graft level, and denervation time. Median nerve grafting done in 14 patients and sensory recovery S4 achieved in 2 patients (14%), S3+ in 4 patients (29%). Ulnar nerve grafting done in 10 patients and sensory recovery S4 achieved in 2 patients (20%), S3+ in 2 patients (20%). There was not statistically significant difference in sensory recovery of median and ulnar nerve. There was not statistically significant difference by age, level of injury, graft length, denervation time.

Conclusions There was no significant difference in sensory recovery of median and ulnar nerves. Mode of injury influences results. Results were comparatively better in younger patients and in patients who had undergone repair within shorter time.