Double end-to-side neuroanastomosis for repairing bilateral obsolete proper digital nerve injuries / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate effect of double end-to-side neuroanastomosis for bilateral obsolete proper digital nerve injuries.Methods From November 2000 to October 2009,40 patients with bilateral obsolete proper digital nerve injuries were admitted to our center.Fifteen patients underwent double end-to-side neuroanastomosis.During operation,the injured digital nerve was excised,then bilateral distal ends and proximal ends were sutured,respectively; consequently,the distal and proximal nerve bows were formed.A cutaneous antebrachii lateralis nerve was freed and obtained from the homolateral forearm,then divided equally to 2 parts which were used to bridge the 2 nerve bows.Thirteen patients underwent single end-to-side neuroanastomosis,while other 12 patients underwent end-to-end neuroanastomosis.Results Thirty one patients were successfully followed up for 6 to 8 months.In double end-to-side neuroanastomosis group,12 patients were successfully followed up; anaesthesia and pain of the injured fingers disappeared completely; finger pulp was plump with good flexibility; the average result of sensation measurement was S(4.21 ±1.97),which was significantly higher than those of the other 2 groups; the average result of two point discrimination was 5.4±0.9 mm which was significantly lower than those of the other 2 groups.In single end-to-side neuroanastomosis group,10 patients were successfully followed up; anaesthesia relieved and spontaneous pain disappeared completely,but there was still tenderness; the average result of sensation measurement was S(1.57±0.72); the average result of two point discrimination was 7.2±1.2 mm.In end-to-end neuroanastomosis group,9 patients were successfully followed up; anaesthesia and pain relieved; the average result of sensation measurement was S(3.19± 1.04); the average result of two point discrimination was 7.68±0.8 mm; there were significant differences in results of sensation measurement and two point discrimination between the latter two groups.Conclusion The double end-to-side neuroanastomosis is a valuable method for repairing bilateral obsolete proper digital nerve injuries.