ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the human acellular nerve allograft (hANG)for nerve repair in the clinical setting,and report the early outcomes of bridging digital nerve defect with the hANG. Methods Four patients with 5 digital nerve injuries were included in this pilot study.The nerves defect ranged from 10-20 mm and were bridged with the hANG(manufactured by Zhongda Medical Equipment Co.,Ltd,Guangzhou,China).Four digital nerve acute injuries in 3 patients were repaired with hANG primarily,while the nerve in another patient was reconstructed secondarily.The procedure was performed under a 10-manifying operating microscope.The nerve stumps were debrided until the normal fascicles could be seen.hANG was inserted between the proximal and distal stumps and end-to-end neurorrhaphy was performed with 9-0 sutures.Postoperative cares included dressing change and administration of antibiotics.No immunosuppressants had been used.The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 3 months.The wound and blood sample were examined for the safety of hANG.The nerve function Wag evaluated according to the scoring system proposed by the Nerve Injuries Committee of the British Medical Research Council. Results All wounds healed primarily.The adverse effects,such as rejection,allergy,infection,and toxicity to the liver and kidney were absent.The results of blood biochemistry test were within the normal range.The injured nerve achieved good functional recovery.In 2 cages,the 2 point discrimination(2PD)was 8mm(S3~+,excellent). Conclusion Based on the short term follow-up,using hANG to repair digital nerve defect as long as 20mm was safe,and the nerve functional recovery is pretty good.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical design and therapeutic effect of total root avulsion of brachial plexus by contralateral C_7 nerve transfer for directly repairing C_8T_1 via prespinal route combined with functioning gracilis transplantation. Methods Twelve cases of total roots avulsion of brachial plexus were operated at 1 month to 3 months after injury.The contralateral C_7 nerve was successfully transferred to directly repair avulsed C_8T_1 roots or lower trunk via prespinal route.At 2nd operation stage after 4 to 8 months,the functioning gracills transplantation was preformed to reconstruct the elbow flexion and fingers extension. Results Follow-ups were carried out in all 12 cases who had been discharged for 9 to 36 months after the first operation.The positive Tinel signs of ulnar or median nerves were located in the proximal arm at 3 months after 1st operation,in the elbow or proximal forarm at 6 months,and in the wrist or distal forarm at 9 months.At 12 months the positive Tinel signs were found in the plam or fingers in 9 cases.The contraction of sternocostal part of pectoralis major was found at 9 mooths in 7 cases.There were the restoration of the taction-pain sensation in the palm, finger, and medial side of forearm and the contraction of flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum(M_3)in 5 cases at 15 to 18 months after 1st operation.In 7 patients the flexion of elbow and extension of fingers and thumb restored at 9 to 12 months after the 2nd operation.Their elbow flexion was 90°-120°and M_3(Highet's method),and their finger and thumb extension M_3. Conclusion There is the possibility of the operative design and clinical application of total root avulsion of brachial plexus by contralateral C_7 nerve transfer for directly repairing C_8T_1 via prespinal route combined with functioning gracilis transplantation.There are not only the restoration of sensation and flexion of wrist and fingers,but also the restoration of elbow flexion and fingers extension.