Nerve Transfer (nerve + transfer)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Intercostal nerve transfer in infants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy

MICROSURGERY, Issue 7 2008
Tarek A. El-Gammal M.D.
The use of intercostal nerve (ICN) transfer to repair brachial plexus lesions associated with root avulsions is a well known procedure in adults. However, there is a paucity of reports on the use of ICN in infants with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). This study included 46 infants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent 62 neurotization procedures. Clinically, 2 cases had upper trunk injury, 19 had upper-middle trunk injury, 3 had lower trunk injury, and 22 had total palsy. The average age at surgery was 14 months. Twelve patients underwent surgery younger than 6 months of age, 11 patients at 6 to <9 months, 9 patients at 9,12 months, and 14 patients at >12 months. The average follow-up period was 49 months. ICN transfer resulted in 76% satisfactory (good and excellent) outcome, and was best for restoration of elbow flexion (93.5%). Functional results were best when the operation was done before the age of 9 months; however, the difference between age groups was statistically insignificant. Functional results were also independent of the extent of the original injury. Nine children had preoperative and postoperative CT chest scans. All the nine children developed basal pulmonary atelectasis postoperatively. Pulmonary atelectasis was mostly ipsilateral and was not correlated to the patient age (months), or the duration of anesthesia (in minutes). We conclude that, intercostals nerve transfer is an effective procedure for restoration of function in infants with OBPP and root avulsions. The procedure is associated with variable degree of ipsilateral pulmonary atelectasis. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008. [source]


HS09 REPLANTATION SURGERY , THE RECONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2007
L. C. Teoh
The function of the replanted parts can be improved if attention to reconstruction techniques is carried out. These reconstructive techniques are: 1) adequate debridement and shortening, 2) stable skeletal fixation, 3) strengthened tendon repairs, 4) quality nerve repair, 5) extensive vascular anastomosis, 6) complete skin coverable, and 7) Early intensive active rehabilitation. 1) The debridement should be generous and the shortening judicious. More than 50% of the skin should be in direct contact, and direct anastomosis of some of vessels should be possible. 2) The skeletal stabilization should be of good very quality that will allow free mobilization of the joints. 3) The repair of the tendons should take advantage of the excess length for a strengthen repair. Some degree of active mobilization should be make possible. 4) Primary nerve grafting or nerve transfer should be considered if there is loss of nerve length. 5) Vascular repair should be on the basis of as many as possible the number of arteries and veins that can be found for anastomosis. 6) Any residual skin defect should be planned for a proper resurfacing within the next 5 to 10 days. 7) Early intensive active rehabilitation should be prescribed. Gradual active ROM for tendon gliding should be instituted with in the first week. The function of the replanted digit and hand has continued to improve with the reconstructive approach. With further experience the reconstructive approach can be done in all cases with confidence. [source]


Restoration of motor function of the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve by direct nerve transfer of branches from the tibial nerve: An anatomical study,

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 3 2004
Kale D. Bodily
Abstract Traction injuries of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve frequently result in significant morbidity due to tibialis anterior muscle paralysis and the associated loss of ankle dorsiflexion. Because current treatment options are often unsuccessful or unsatisfactory, other treatment approaches need to be explored. In this investigation, the anatomical feasibility of an alternative option, consisting of nerve transfer of motor branches from the tibial nerve to the deep fibular nerve, was studied. In ten cadaveric limbs, the branching pattern, length, and diameter of motor branches of the tibial nerve in the proximal leg were characterized; nerve transfer of each of these motor branches was then simulated to the proximal deep fibular nerve. A consistent, reproducible pattern of tibial nerve innervation was seen with minor variability. Branches to the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus muscles were determined to be adequate, based on their branch point, branch pattern, and length, for direct nerve transfer in all specimens. Other branches, including those to the tibialis posterior, popliteus, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were not consistently adequate for direct nerve transfer for injuries extending to the bifurcation of the common fibular nerve or distal to it. For neuromas of the common fibular nerve that do not extend as far distally, branches to the soleus and lateral head of the gastrocnemius may be adequate for direct transfer if the intramuscular portions of these nerves are dissected. This study confirms the anatomical feasibility of direct nerve transfer using nerves to toe-flexor muscles as a treatment option to restore ankle dorsiflexion in cases of common fibular nerve injury. Clin. Anat. 17:201,205, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]