Peripheral nerve reconnection: mechanical, thermal, and ionic conditions that promote the return of function.

Current microsurgical techniques for repairing peripheral nerves do not take into account a number of factors that are of importance. A technique was developed that considered 17 factors, the major ones of which are proper alignment of the stumps, sharpness of cut, and prevention of physical and chemical damage. The clinical results after transection of rats' sciatic nerve were assessed in terms of functional recovery. When all 17 conditions were met, our technique was significantly superior to microsutures, suggesting the possible use of this method to improve the return of function after peripheral nerve injury.