J Reconstr Microsurg 2001; 17(2): 085-088
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-12695
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Digital Neurorrhaphy after the Age of 60 Years

Keith A. Segalman, Paul A. Cook, Bernadette H. Wang, Lorie Theisen
  • Raymond M. Curtis National Hand Center, Union Memorial Hospital, Lutherville, Maryland
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

ABSTRACT

Fifteen patients over the age of 60 years (average age: 65 years), with 19 digital nerve lacerations, were evaluated more than 1 year after injury. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein evaluation, and subjective return of sensibility were examined by a certified hand therapist before and after local anesthetic block of the uninjured digital nerve. Sixty-three percent of the patients regained moving two-point discrimination less than 15 mm; 100 percent regained Semmes-Weinstein values of less than 4.56; and 84 percent of the patients subjectively noted greater than half of their normal sensation. Crossover innervation was a factor in four of 14 repairs. Based on the data, useful sensation can be regained by repairing a digital nerve in the majority of patients older than 60 years of age.

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