When dealing with a lacerated nerve, it is important to consider the nature of the lacerating agent. The most important issue is whether the laceration has resulted from a sharply incised wound or whether the injury has been associated with extensive crushing, tearing and bruising. When the nerve is sharply cut the nerve may be repaired by stitching its ends together. In injuries associated with extensive crushing and tearing of nerve fibers, as can occur with a chainsaw, repair must be delayed 3 to 4 weeks so that the full degree of damage can take its course in order to repair only the nerve fibers that will survive. These are common mechanisms of injury and result in a wide range of neural damage.
Nerves can to a certain degree sustain stretch.
However, when their limit is exceeded the nerve can be torn apart resulting in a nerve injury ranging from mild to severe. This mechanism of injury is commonly responsible for brachial plexus, radial, and peroneal nerve injuries. Stretch or traction is also a common mechanism associated with bone fractures. These injuries should initially be treated conservatively. Surgical exploration is performed on those patients that do not recover spontaneously in 4 to 6 months.