Peripheral nerve damage can be caused by trauma or surgery, and can lead to reduced sensation and mobility of the affected limb or region. If direct repair is not possible because the section of nerve discontinuity is too long, grafts or artificial nerve conduits can be used.
Autologous nerve grafting (using another nerve from the same patient) is used most frequently (usually using the sural nerve from the leg). However, this can be associated with donor site morbidity. Untreated allografts (using a nerve from a donor) have also been used. However, postoperative immunosuppressive treatment is needed with untreated allografts.