2005 Peripheral Nerve Injuries eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Novak, Mackinnon & Baratz 2005 Updated 2011
Paul of Aegina (625-690) was the first to describe approximation of the nerve ends with wound closure. Hueter (1871, 1873) introduced the concept of primary epineurial nerve suture, and Nelaton described secondary nerve repair in 1864. Even at an early time, the idea of decreasing tension on the nerve suture was important. In 1882, Mikulicz described sutures that reduced tension, and Loebke described bone shortening to decrease nerve tension in 1884. In 1876, Albert described grafting nerve gaps. A great deal of information regarding the evaluation and treatment of traumatic nerve injuries came with the experience in wartime injuries.
Synonyms and related keywords: nerve repair, traumatic nerve injuries, nerve compression