Controlled joint extension followed by gradual distraction with use of an external fixator may facilitate primary repair of peripheral nerve defects by permitting end-to-end repair without tension. The hypothesis of the present study was that gradual lengthening of nerve repairs with use of incremental distraction would provide superior results compared with grafting or repair under tension.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Watlington Hall, 4th Floor, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. druch@wfubmc.edu
