Peripheral nerve reconstruction by autograft.

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to present the results achieved by microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerve injuries in the 15 years between 1985 and 1999. Sixty patients underwent 63 surgical procedures. Forty-five nerves were reconstructed by autograft in 42 patients with injuries of the upper extremities; 14 patients had lower limb peripheral nerve reconstruction. The facial nerve was reconstructed by autograft in four patients. Factors that could possibly affect the results, such as delaying surgery, age of the patient, nature of the injury, length of the autograft, height of the injury and type of nerve damage, were assessed. The results were better in the reconstruction of nerve injuries in the upper than the lower limbs. Reconstruction of the tibial nerve was also rewarding. In general, the results of facial nerve reconstruction were good. The time between injury and reconstructive surgery was a crucial factor for successful outcome, especially in younger patients.