Autogenous digital artery graft for repair of digital nerve defects in emergency hand reconstruction: two-year follow-up

2009 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damir Kosutic ◽  
Ivan Krajnc ◽  
Bozena Pejkovic ◽  
Lea Šolman
2019 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. e7-e9
Author(s):  
Gokce Yildiran ◽  
Mustafa Sutcu ◽  
Osman Akdag ◽  
Zekeriya Tosun

Abstract Objectives Better healing results of any tissue or area is closely linked with a well-blood supply in reconstructive surgery. Peripheric nerve healing is closely related to blood supply as well. We aimed to assess whether there was any difference between digital nerve healing with and without extrinsic blood supply. Methods We assessed 48 patients with unilateral digital nerve injury at zone 2. Twenty-four of them had unrepairable arterial injury and other 24 had no arterial injury. The 24 patients in the “unrepaired artery group” (UA) and 24 patients in the “intact artery group” (IA) were compared. Results Mean follow-up time was 17.7 months. The mean two-point discrimination (2PD) was 5.29 mm in IA group and 5.37 mm in UA group. One neuroma in IA group and two neuromas in UA group were determined. We found no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of neuroma, 2PD, and cold intolerance. The results of British Medical Research Council sensory recovery clinical scale were comparable for these two groups. Conclusion Digital nerve healing is related to numerous factors. We hypothesized that blood flow may be one of these factors; however, at this zone digital artery repair is not the foremost determinant for digital nerve healing. Further researches should be done for upper injury levels. Despite this result, we argue not to leave the digital artery without repairment and we propose to repair both artery and nerve to achieve the normal anatomical integrity and to warrant finger blood flow in possible future injuries.


1992 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. DAUTEL ◽  
M. MERLE

In this work on vascularization of digital nerves, we have studied the anatomy of the deep network of venae comitantes of digital arteries, and the system of superficial palmar venules. 22 specimens of nerve and artery were dissected as one unit and were infused with Microfil prior to study under the microscope. The deep venous network, a satellite of the digital artery, can be classified into four types. A true network of deep venae comitantes exists in three of these four types, drained by deep veins arising from the transverse anastomotic arches between the palmar digital pedicles. Vascularization of the digital nerve is supplied by numerous anastomotic vessels connecting epineurial vessels, digital artery and the periarterial network (venae comitantes and vasa vasorum). This anatomical configuration lends itself to vascularized nerve grafting; for example, it is possible to use a nerve/artery graft taken as a unit from an amputated finger unsuitable for replantation. Two types of valves in this superficial venous network have been identified and their function is discussed.


1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. LEUPIN ◽  
J. WEIL ◽  
U. BÜCHLER

The dorsal middle phalangeal finger (DMF) flap is a (neuro)vaseular island flap based on one palmar proper digital artery, its venae comitantes (and/or a separate dorsal vein) and the dorsal branch(es) of the palmar digital nerve. The main nerve supply of the donor finger is left undisturbed. The flap may be raised on a short antegrade, long antegrade or a retrograde pedicle, and used as a free, arterial and/or venous flow-through or neurovascular flap. In a prospective study (mean follow-up of 50 months), the results of 43 DMF flaps were analysed. All flaps survived, retained patency of their vascular pedicles and fulfilled their goals. Neurovascular flaps provided sensate coverage at the S3+ level with static 2-point discrimination values of about 10 mm. Dissection between the proper digital nerve and the rest of the neurovascular bundle induced a 5% incidence of cold intolerance and a 12% occurrence of S3+ hypaesthesia. Advantages, drawbacks and indications of DMF flaps are outlined.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1041-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Bekir Unal ◽  
Kemal Gokkus ◽  
Evrim Sirin ◽  
Eren Cansü

Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the availability of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) autograft for acute or delayed repair of segmented digital nerve injuries. Patients and Methods: 13 digital nerve defects of 11 patients; treated with interposition of LACN graft that harvested from ipsilateral extremity were included in the study. Mean follow up period was 35, 7 months. The mean time from injury to grafting is 53, 3 days. The results of the mean 2PDT and SWMT values of injured /uninjured finger at the end of follow up period were evaluated with Paired T test. The correlation between the defect length and the difference of 2PDT, SWMT values between the uninjured and injured finger at the end of follow up period; were evaluated with Pearson - correlation analysis. Results: The mean value of our 2PDT and SWMT results are ~5,923, ~3, 52, respectively in which can be interpreted between the normal and diminished light touch. The defect length and difference percentage of SWMT values is positively and significantly correlated statistically. Mean length of interposed nerve grafts was 18.5 mm. The age of the patient and the mean values of 2PDT and SWMT with the difference % of 2PDT and % of SWMT are not statistically correlated. Conclusion: Based on results regarding sensory regaining at recipient side and negligible sensory deficit at harvesting side, we suggest that lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve might be a valuable graft option for digital nerve defects.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0013
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abdelaziz ◽  
Kathryn Whitelaw ◽  
Gregory Waryasz ◽  
Daniel Guss ◽  
Anne Johnson ◽  
...  

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: While the precise pathoetiology of Morton’s neuroma remains unclear, nerve inflammation as a result of chronic entrapment from the overlying intermetatarsal ligament (IML) may play a role. Traditional surgical management involved common digital nerve transection with neuroma excision, but this procedure risks unpredictable formation of a stump neuroma and potential worsening of symptoms. Accordingly, the senior author has over the past six years espoused isolated IML release and common digital nerve decompression in lieu of nerve transection or neuroma excision as an alternative treatment strategy. We hypothesized that IML release offers effective pain relief and high patient satisfaction level as a surgical treatment for recalcitrant Morton’s neuroma without the risk of stump neuroma formation or symptom exacerbation. Methods: Medical records for all consecutive patients treated surgically with isolated single interspace IML release for symptomatic and recalcitrant Morton’s neuroma over a four year period at a large academic medical center were examined. Any adult patient with clinically diagnosed Morton’s neuroma who had failed at least three months of conservative treatment and who then underwent single-webspace IML decompression were included. Any patient who had less than three months postoperative follow up, had undergone revisional neuroma surgery, or had undergone additional procedures at the time of the IML release were excluded. Overall patient satisfaction as well as pre- and post-operative Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) assessments were recorded for all patients. Results: Eleven patients underwent isolated, single interspace IML decompression for Morton’s neuroma over this time frame. One of these patients had a neuroma localized to the second web space and 10 were localized to the third web space. Average follow-up was 10.8± 9 (3-32) months (Table 1). VAS pain scores averaged 6.4 ± 1.9 (4-9) preoperatively and decreased to an average of 1.5 ± 1.6 (0-5) at final follow up (P = 0.003). All patients reported significant pain improvement and an overall satisfaction with the procedure (would undergo it again). No patients returned to the operating room, there were no postoperative infection nor worsening of pain, and no other complications were reported. Conclusion: Isolated single interspace IML release of chronically symptomatic Morton’s neuroma shows promising short-term results regarding pain relief and overall patient satisfaction, with few complications and no demonstrated risk of recurrent neuroma formation, permanent numbness, or postoperative symptom exacerbation. The authors’ collective experience with this approach has been positive enough over the past six years to result in the entire abandonment of the practice of neuroma excision in this patient population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 546-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Xiaoxi Yang ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
...  

The Littler flap has been widely used to repair large pulp defects of the thumb; however, several complications have occurred frequently. In order to reduce these issues, the modified Littler flap innervated by the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve and the proper digital nerve from the ulnar aspect of the middle finger or the radial aspect of the ring finger were devised in 16 consecutive cases. At the donor site, the defect of the proper digital nerve was repaired with a nerve graft from the proximal portion of the ipsilateral dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve. At the final follow-up, the scores for the static two-point discrimination test, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test and total active motions in both recipient and donor fingers were nearly normal. This modified Littler flap provides a simple and reliable alternative for treatment of large defects of the thumb pulp with low donor-site morbidity. Level of Evidence: IV


1994 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 552-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. ADANI ◽  
P. B. SQUARZINA ◽  
C. CASTAGNETTI ◽  
A. LAGANÁ ◽  
G. PANCALDI ◽  
...  

41 heterodigital neurovascular island flaps were used to cover defects of the tactile pad of the thumb in 17 years. With an average follow-up of 75.5 months, 30 patients were reviewed. 17 were treated by the original Littler technique and 13 were treated with the same flap reconstruction but with division of the digital nerve innervating the flap and re-anastomosis of this nerve to the proximal nerve end of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved in both groups. Sensory acuity did not appear to decrease with time. The nerve reconnection technique solves the “double sensibility” phenomenon (present in 41.1% of our cases treated by the original technique), but two-point discrimination is less than that achieved by the Littler technique. Most complaints were related to the donor site such as hypertrophic scarring or scar contracture and cold intolerance, but these did not cause any real functional impairment.


Hand ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. L. Jebson ◽  
Edwin E. Spencer

The purpose of our study was to review the clinical features and determine the results following surgical excision of a flexor tendon sheath ganglion. A retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive patients (25 ganglions) who underwent excision of a painful flexor tendon sheath ganglion by the same surgeon was performed. The patient's medical and operative records were reviewed. Each patient was invited to return for an evaluation, which consisted of a clinical interview, completion of a questionnaire, and physical examination. Those patients that were unable to return underwent a detailed telephone interview. Sixteen patients returned for a clinical evaluation, while eight patients underwent a telephone interview. There were 15 women and nine men, with an average age of 43 years (range, 21–68 years). The dominant hand was involved in 15 patients. The long finger was most commonly involved (11 cases). The ganglion arose from the A1 pulley in 13 cases, between the A1 and A2 pulleys in three cases, and from the A2 pulley in nine cases. At an average follow-up of 18.5 months (range, 5–38 months), all of the patients were satisfied with their final result. No patient developed a recurrence and all returned to their previous functional level. There were two minor complications that resolved uneventfully; one patient experienced mild incisional tenderness, while an additional patient experienced transient digital nerve paresthesias. We conclude that surgical excision is a simple, safe, and effective method for treating a painful ganglion of the digital flexor tendon sheath.


1992 ◽  
Vol 82 (8) ◽  
pp. 399-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
AL Dellon

The almost universal surgical approach for the treatment of Morton's metatarsalgia is to resect the neuroma through a dorsal incision. Considering that the mechanism for the metatarsalgia is chronic repetitive compression of the common plantar digital nerve between the metatarsal heads, this report explores the use of neurolysis in five patients with 11 involved nerves. In surgery, the intermetatarsal ligament is divided, intrinsic fibrosis is released, and the epineurium is opened. The mean follow-up period is 33 months. Complete pain relief was achieved in four of the five patients, with the fifth patient, 13 years after a crush injury to the foot, achieving good pain relief. All five patients resumed their usual jobs and athletic activities. One patient wears sneakers instead of regular shoes. The patient with the crush injury wears custom-made shoes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 915-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Eric Rosberg ◽  
Derya Burcu Hazer Rosberg ◽  
Illugi Birkisson ◽  
Lars B. Dahlin

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