What are nerve grafts?

Also known as: nerve repair, nerve grafting.

Nerve grafts are segments of nerve or nerve-like material that are used to reconstruct damaged nerves in the body. When there is a nerve gap that cannot be repaired with sutures alone, a graft is needed. The “graft” serves as a bridge for a reconstructed nerve to grow across.

The procedure is usually performed for damaged nerves that perform an important motor and/or sensory function. The materials that can be used for nerve grafting include bioabsorbable synthetic conduits, processed nerve from cadavers, segments of vein, and expendable nerves from other parts of the patient's body.

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Reviewed by: Aaron Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM