Conversion of Seddon III Nerve Injury to Seddon I/II Nerve Injury

To demonstrate more rapid and increased return of function by PEG-fusion compared to the best current nerve repair techniques. Neurorrhaphy is not new, being performed now for over 150 years much research has been performed. PEG-Axon fusion on the other hand is relatively new in mammals. Success has already been obtained by two institutions in the rat sciatic nerve transections, demonstrating rapid return of behavioral function4. These however are very controlled injuries and unclear how well these will translate into human studies. For this reason 3 separate clinical studies in increasing order of complexity are proposed. The first study proposed will be PEG fusion in digital nerve lacerations. Two goals will be demonstrated; improved innervation density and improved innervation threshold compared to traditional repair, and complication rate similar or less than traditional repair. This will demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure.