The Effect of Selective Temporary Anaesthesia in Combination with Sensory Re-education on Impovement of Hand Sensitivity after Median/ Ulnar Nerve Repair

•The outcom of nerve repair in adult is often poor. We hypothesized that forearm would enhance the sensory outcome by increasing the cortical hand representation. •A prospective, randomized and double-blind study was designed. During 2 weeks a Topical anaesthetic ointment (Lidocaine-PTC, n = 6) or placebo (n=7) was applied repeatedly (twice a week) under occlusive bandage on the flexor aspect of injured forearm combined with sensory re-education for one hour. Regular Assessments of sensory function prior to the experiment and after the fourth application of Lidocaine-PTC /placebo and 4 weeks after the last Lidocaine-PTC /placebo session were performed.•After 6 weeks the lidocaine-ptc group had a significant improvement in touch and pressure perception in comparison with placebo group.In placebo group, no significant changes were seen. Two-point discrimination improved significantly only in the Lidocaine-PTC group (p=0.005). •The findings suggest that forearm differentiation of injured limb, in combination with sensory re-education, can enhance sensory reovery after nerve repair.