ABSTRACT
The blood supply to 13 potential vascularized donor nerve grafts was examined by 241
cadaveric dissections. Results reveal a new classification of nerve blood supply that
helps identify six of the 13 nerves as potential donor vascularized nerve grafts (anterior
tibial, saphenous, superficial peroneal, superficial radial, ulnar, and sural nerves).
These six nerves were then further investigated with injection studies, revealing
that long lengths of the nerves may survive on the intrinsic supply alone. Extensive
measurements were completed on the six nerves and corresponding blood supply. The
surgical anatomy and clinical application of these donor nerves are reviewed. Each
nerve was then evaluated in terms of new criteria developed for the ideal donor vascularized
nerve graft. The saphenous nerve is believed to be best suited as a donor vascularized
nerve graft. Finally, a new method is proposed for forming cable grafts from segments
of vascularized nerve grafts that are supplied solely by the intrinsic blood supply.
