J Reconstr Microsurg 2002; 18(8): 671-676
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36498
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Minimal Incision Technique for Sural Nerve Graft Harvest: Experience with 61 Patients

David W. Chang
  • Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
13 January 2003 (online)

ABSTRACT

Many different methods for harvesting the sural nerve have been described, including a single, long, longitudinal incision, multiple stair-step incisions, or use of a tendon stripper and endoscopic approach. Drawbacks of these methods may include unsightly donor-site scars, inadvertent transection of the nerve, prolonged operative time, and the need for special equipment. A new minimal incision technique of sural nerve harvesting that is simple and quick, causes minimal donor site morbidity, and preserves the integrity of the nerve is described.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Eich B, Fix R. New technique for endoscopic sural nerve harvest.  J Reconstr Microsurg . 2000;  16 329-331
  • 2 Koh K, Park S. Endoscopic harvest of sural nerve graft with balloon dissection.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 1998;  101 810-812
  • 3 Hill H, Vasconez L, Jurkiewicz M. Method for obtaining a sural nerve graft.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 1978;  61 177-179
  • 4 Hankin F, Jaeger S, Beddings A. Autogenous sural nerve grafts: a harvesting technique.  Orthopedics . 1985;  8 1160-1161
  • 5 Coert J, Dellon A. Clinical implications of the surgical anatomy of the sural nerve.  Plast Reconstr Surg . 1994;  94 850-855
  • 6 Ortiguela M, Wood M, Cahill D. Anatomy of the sural nerve complex.  J Hand Surg . 1987;  12A 1119-1123
  • 7 de Moura W, Gilbert A. Surgical anatomy of the sural nerve.  J Reconstr Microsurg . 1984;  1 31-39
  • 8 Huelke D. A study of the formation of the sural nerve in adult man.  Am J Phys Anthropol . 1957;  15 137-145
  • 9 Rindell K, Telaranta T. A new atraumatic and simple method of taking sural nerve grafts.  Ann Chir Gynaecol . 1984;  73 40-41
  • 10 Staniforth P, Fisher T. The effects of sural nerve excision in autogenous nerve grafting.  Hand . 1978;  10 187-190
    >