Introduction: To determine the aetiology of peripheral nerve injuries presenting to a specialist centre, identify the management strategies employed and discuss the functional outcome achieved.

Methods: Retrospective review of all children referred to this hospital between 1996–2003 with an acquired nerve injury. Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy was excluded.

Results: 100 nerve injuries (94 patients) were identified. The mean age was 9.9yrs (0.5–16yrs). 81 injuries involved the upper limb, 19 the lower limb. Most were due to low energy trauma and associated with fractures or their surgical management. 16% presented with autonomic sympathetic dysfunction, 10% with neuropathic pain. 43 patients underwent at least one surgical procedure. The operation was classified diagnostic in 5 (no surgically remediable lesion identified), therapeutic in 33 (surgical procedure could be expected to aid recovery) and reconstructive in 5 (no improvement in nerve function could be achieved; functional improvement achieved by other means). Excellent functional outcome only occurred in conservatively treated cases and in some treated by neurolysis. Nerve grafts and direct repairs were associated with good outcomes. Delayed surgery was associated with fair outcomes.

Discussion: Peripheral nerve injuries in children as in adults require careful, prompt attention to obtain the best outcome. Iatropathic injuries must be acknowledged.