Results of median nerve repair in children.

Seven children ranging in age from 1 to 13 years (mean 8 years) were evaluated at a range of 8 months to 15 years (mean 4.7 years) following group fascicular repair of the median nerve at the wrist following a sharp transection of the nerve. At the follow-up evaluation, they were measured with Semmes-Weinstein nylon monofilaments, moving and static two-point discrimination, and were judged for the presence or absence of paresthesias in their hands. The children did not receive sensory reeducation in the postoperative period. All children recovered to normal levels of moving and static two-point discrimination and were free from disabling paresthesias. These results are contrasted with a group of similar nerve injuries in adult patients treated in the same way and over the same period of time. It is concluded that the capacity for peripheral neural regeneration and cerebral plasticity in children is such that excellent recovery of functional sensation in the hand can occur without the need for sensory reeducation.