EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF TENSION ON INTRANEURAL MICROCIRCULATION IN SUTURED PERIPHERAL-NERVES

Tension on an end-to-end nerve suture causes injury to the intraneural vessels. Impairment of the transverse anastomoses occurs first, followed by degeneration of the intrafascicular vessels. Then the transverse anastomoses undergo complete degeneration, and the extrafascicular vessels also sustain severe damage. This series of circulatory disturbances is an important factor to consider when determining the advisability of an end-to-end nerve suture. © 1979 American Society of Plastic Surgeons.