Journal of neurotrauma
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In peripheral nerve injury, end-to-side neurorrhaphy has been reported as an alternative in cases that the proximal nerve stump is not accessible. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain peripheral nerve regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy. Recent evidence suggests that nerve regeneration occurs by collateral sprouting. ⋯ The goal of this technique is to provide satisfactory functional recovery for the recipient nerve, without any deterioration of the donor nerve function. End-to-side technique has been investigated in detail in both experimental and clinical studies. Only a limited number of reported cases in clinical practice, until today, can reveal that end-to-side technique may become a viable means of repairing peripheral nerves in certain clinical situations.