Factors affecting the outcome of peripheral nerve surgery.

Over the last 40 years, various factors that influence the outcome of peripheral nerve surgery have been recognized. Some of these factors, such as age of the patient and time interval between injury and surgery, cannot be controlled by the surgeon. On the other hand, other factors related to technical details are the topic of constant debate and improvement. Recently, surgeons have become increasingly aware of issues such as the environment at the site of the nerve repair, compression from an integument that is too tight, or muscle balance.