Repair of long segmental ulnar nerve defects in rats by several different kinds of nerve transposition

Neural Regen Res, 2019 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.247473 · Published: April 1, 2019

Neurology Surgery Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study explores how different nerve transfers can help repair long sections of damaged nerves. Researchers tested this by creating a gap in the ulnar nerve of rats and then using other nerves to bridge the gap. The tested nerves included the musculocutaneous, medial pectoral, and branches of the radial and anterior interosseous nerves. After three months, the function of the repaired nerves was evaluated. The results showed that these nerve transfers could help restore some nerve function in the affected limbs. This suggests that nerve transfer could be a viable option for repairing severe nerve damage.

Study Duration

3 months

Participants

36 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Repairing a long ulnar nerve defect with different donor nerve transpositions can restore axonal function.
2
Nerve transposition repairs can restore the function of affected limbs to a certain extent.
3
The number of myelinated nerve fibers was more at the distal end than at the proximal end in each repair group.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effectiveness of different nerve transposition techniques in repairing long-segment ulnar nerve defects in rats. The musculocutaneous nerve, medial pectoral nerve, muscular branches of the radial nerve, and anterior interosseous nerve were used as donor nerves. The results indicated that these nerve transpositions could reinnervate axonal function and restore limb function to some extent. This suggests a potential clinical application for severe peripheral nerve injuries. The study also compared the nerve transposition repair groups to an in situ repair group and a control group, finding varying degrees of muscle atrophy in the repair groups but effective nerve regeneration with the transposition techniques.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

Nerve transposition repair can be considered for the treatment of severe peripheral nerve injury where traditional methods are not viable.

Surgical Technique

The conical sleeve suture method simplifies nerve suturing, achieves tension-free sutures, and reduces neuroma formation during nerve transposition repair.

Regenerative Potential

The study supports the concept of multiple regeneration during peripheral nerve regeneration, suggesting the possibility of repairing large nerves with smaller donor nerves.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not investigate spinal cord and brain function after nerve transposition repair.
2
Electrophysiological nerve conduction velocity and conduction wave amplitude could not be accurately measured due to the short forelimb nerve of rats.
3
Specific transposition repair scheme should be personalized according to the condition of each patient in clinical.

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