Peripheral nerve repair in humans using muscle autografts. A new technique

Abstract

Coaxial autografts of skeletal muscle which had been frozen then thawed were used to repair injured digital nerves in eight patients. Assessment from three to 11 months after operation showed recovery to MRC sensory category S3+ in all but one patient, an excellent level of recovery. We conclude that bespoke muscle grafts treated and used in this way may offer significant advantages over conventional nerve grafts or cable grafts especially where large peripheral nerves are involved.