Utility of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status in Focal Epilepsy Patients in an Arab Cohort

Abstract

Background: This study was embraced to examine surgical outcomes for ulnar nerve repairs, so as to help for the optimal management of these lesions. Methods:We identified 116 patients with ulnar nerve injury who were referred to our brachial plexus and peripheral nerve Injury center and underwent surgery. The demographic data about age, gender, level of injury (arm, elbow or wrist level), type of injury (penetrating or blunt), mechanisms of injury, time interval between onset of injury and surgery and functional outcomes were recorded.The functional outcomes were scored, taking into account Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center criteria, prior and then afterward the surgery. Type of repair (neurolysis, direct repair, or repair using graft), and length of graft (if any) were gathered. Results:The most widely recognized mechanism of injury was laceration in all levels. In 95 cases (81%) good functional outcome (Grade 3 or better) was achieved. The best prognosis achieved in the neurolysis (86%) and direct suture (84%), respectively. Good functional outcome was achieved in 86% of patients with nerves in continuity, and 80 % of lesions not in continuity. Overall good functional outcome was achieved in 81% (95 cases) of procedures. Conclusion:Ulnar nerves injuries are inclined to recuperate if undergo proper surgical intervention, and surgical results were for the most part better for lesions in continuity. In lesions not in continuity end-to-end direct suture showed a better prognosis than nerve graft repairs. Knowing the internal topography of ulnar nerve helps to suture more precisely which in turn may be the cause for achieving the best outcome at each level.