Review Question - QID 416

Of the choices listed, the radial nerve has the best opportunity for recovery.

Roganovic performed a prospective study of 393 graft repairs of the median, ulnar, radial, tibial, peroneal, femoral, and musculocutaneous nerves which showed that peripheral nerves differ significantly regarding the motor recovery potential, and the difference depends on the level of nerve repair. The following nerves had excellent recovery potential: the radial, musculocutaneous, and femoral nerves. The following nerves had moderate recovery potential: the median, ulnar, and tibial nerves. The following nerve had poor recovery potential: the peroneal nerve.

Mohler et al, recommends testing nerve action potentials at the time of nerve exploration to guide surgical treatment.