bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of sciatic function index in assessing nerve regeneration across a 1 cm gap
Authors: Shenaq Jihad M. , Shenaq Saleh M. , Spira Melvin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTo evaluate the validity of sciatic function index as a reliable functional parameter in assessing regeneration of rat sciatic nerve through a 1 cm gap, we undertook the following investigation. Sixty‐three adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were assigned to four groups for repair of a 1 cm gap created in the right rat sciatic nerve; 19 rats were repaired with amniotic collagen conduits, 20 with nerve autograft, and 17 with silicone tubes. In seven rats, the gap was not repaired and served as a control. Functional recovery was assessed by de‐Medinaceli SFI and by clinical observations, compared with quantitative and qualitative histological results at 4,10, and 17 weeks postoperatively. The SFI results did not correlate with the histological findings and clinical observations over the observation period in all groups.
Sciatic nerve regeneration in the rat. Validity of walking track assessment in the presence of chronic contractures
Authors: Dellon A. L. , Mackinnon S. E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe ability of the walking track assessment of sciatic nerve function to correlate with results of a nerve repair has been well documented following acute nerve injury and after recovery of the nerve following nerve repair. The longterm effects of partial denervation upon the lower extremity of the rat include the development of chronic contractures due to residual partial muscle paralysis and imbalance. The present study evaluated the ability of the walking track technique to portray accurately the walking pattern in animals following chronic contracture as a result of sciatic nerve repair. Animals 18 months and 24 months after sciatic nerve repair were found to have morphometric analysis distal to the repair that was not statistically significantly different from normal. However, the walking track assessment was inadequate at twentyfour months due to the development of clawing, interphalangeal joint contractures, and ankle inversion or aversion with or without dorsiflexion. The presence of these chronic deformities invalidated the walking track as an appropriate assessment technique for long‐term assessment of nerve function following nerve repair.
Self‐evaluation of walking‐track measurement using a sciatic function index
Authors: Brown C. J. , Mackinnon S. E. , Evans P. J. , Bain J. R. , Makino A. P. , Hunter O. A. , Hare G. M. T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRecovery of function is of prime importance after peripheral nerve injury and repair. This paper describes a method of obtaining and measuring walkingtracks and generating a Sciatic Function Index (SFI) to quantify functional sciatic nerve recovery in the rat. The reader is provided with a series of walking‐tracks to measure, analyze and compare to those analyzed by experienced observers.
Variations in two‐point discrimination as a function of terminal probes
Authors: Levin L. S. , Regan N. , Pearsall G. , Nunley J. A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA study was designed to investigate the role of terminal probes as determinates of two‐point discrimination in the normal hand. A Vernier caliper was modified to allow an exchange of probes with different diameters and with different terminal shapes. These terminal devices included flat, sharp, and rounded probe tips of various diameters. There was variability in normal subjects for different end probes and our results indicated that spherical probes give the largest variation in two‐point discrimination while pointed end probes provide the least variation. Variations of up to two millimeters can occur between large and small diameter probes. This study quantitatively supports the contention that different terminal devices will produce different recruitment of the sensory end organs in the hand, and strongly suggests the need for standardization of condition in assessment of sensory recovery.
Sensory recovery in transplanted toes
Authors: Leung P. C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study reports the results of 30 patients who entered a program of sensory reeducation following toe‐to‐thumb transfer. Results were analyzed after subdividing the patients into those whose injury had produced severe scarring (fibrotic group, N = 15) and those with clean, more distal amputations (nonfibrotic group, N = 15). Patients who were unable to complete sensory reeducation were considered as “drop‐out” controls. Although the follow‐up time was less than 1 year, the group receiving sensory reeducation did improve to a greater degree and more quickly than the controls, with the level of two‐point discrimination recovered being better than that originally present in the toe.
Long‐term measurement of innervation density in second toe‐to‐thumb transfers receiving immediate postoperative sensory reeducation
Authors: Vitkus K. , Vitkus M. , Krivulin A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThree male patients, each receiving microvascular tissue transfer of the second toe to the thumb of their dominant hand, underwent a formal program of sensory reeducation immediately following the transfer. A high degree of functional sensation is reported.
Internal neurolysis and flexor tenosynovectomy: Adjuncts in the treatment of chronic median nerve compression at the wrist in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Corradi M. , Paganeli E. , Pavesi G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis retrospective clinical study reports our results with surgical treatment of chronic median nerve compression at the wrist in 27 hemodialysis patients with a mean follow‐up of 22 months. Due to the high incidence of amyloidosis in our patient population, an extensive tenosynovectomy was done in all patients. Statistically significantly (P = .03) better results were obtained when a microsurgical internal neurolysis was added to the procedure, than simple decompression alone (82% vs. 63% good to excellent results).
Treatment of recurrent metatarsalgia by neuroma resection and muscle implantation: Case report and proposed algorithm of management for Morton's “neuroma”
Authors: Lee Dellon A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis report describes the theoretical basis for an approach to treating a recurrent Morton's “neuroma.” The recurrence, being a true, classic neuroma, is treated by a technique validated in the treatment of the upper extremity painful neuroma: neuroma resection and muscle implantation. A plantar approach, implanting into the deep layer of intrinsics, was used. The three year success of this technique in a long‐distance runner is reported.
Microcirculatory responses to vascular washout following ischemia
Authors: Howell Scott T. , Seaber Anthony V. , Urbaniak James R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study examined the microcirculatory alterations in the hindlimb of the rat caused by ischemia and vascular washout with lactated Ringer's solution. Experimental groups consisted of innervated and denervated animals, each subjected to 2 hours of hindlimb ischemia. The ischemic period was then followed by either vascular washout or no washout prior to reperfusion. The cutaneous capillary blood flow was measured using laser Doppler velocimetry. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in early reperfusion flow above baseline in the innervated groups, more apparent in the group subjected to vascular washout. In all cases where there was elevated early flow, later flow levels were decreased. The results and proposed mechanisms of the response are discussed.
Single pedicle microvascular transfers of the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles in rats
Authors: Briones Rafael , Lineaweaver William C. , Newlin Leonard , Whitney Timothy M. , Buncke Harry J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn the rat, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles receive axial vascular pedicles from the thoracodorsal artery. This anatomy was confirmed by dissections, and 10 microvascular transfers of the latissimus‐serratus flap on a common pedicle were performed with a 90% success rate. The flaps had an average weight of 1.8 g. This flap is a reliable small animal model for microvascular muscle transplants and contains sufficient tissue to be used in multiple biochemical assays.
Long‐term histological changes in 1 millimeter polytetrafluoroethylene (gore‐tex) prosthetic arterial grafts
Authors: Samuels Roslyn M. , McGeachie John K. , Prendergast Francis J. , Storrie Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractVein grafts are used extensively to repair blood vessels. However, when suitable vein segments are unavailable, alternative graft materials must be used. This study tested the suitability of 1 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts for small‐calibre arterial replacements. Grafts of 4 mm length were inserted microsurgically into the iliac arteries of 26 rats. The grafts were removed between 3 and 22 months postoperatively and examined with light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM:TEM). Anastomotic intimal hyperplasia was minimal, consisting of a few smooth muscle cells extending 100–200 μm onto the graft. The rest of the PTFE was covered with endothelium. In a few isolated areas, there was a subendothelial layer of smooth muscle, 2–10 cells thick. The short segments used in this study were highly successful, with an overall long‐term patency rate of 80%. These grafts showed no evidence of excessive neo‐intimal hyperplasia.
New canine model for free jejunal graft studies
Authors: Scher Natan , Garza Jaime R. , Haughey Bruce H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe need to more fully understand the function and physiology of the free jejunal graft prompted us to develop a new canine model. Twelve dogs were used to transplant a free jejunal graft in the neck with proximal and distal stomas exteriorized to the skin. The techniques used, complications encountered, and the potential for acute and chronic studies with this animal model are presented.
Phrenic nerve transfer for brachial plexus motor neurotization
Authors: Yu‐Dong Gu , Min‐Ming Wu , Yi‐Lu Zhen , Jia‐Ao Zhao , Gao‐Meng Zhang , De‐Song Chen , Ji‐Geng Yan , Xiao‐Ming Cheng 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe report a series of 164 patients who underwent phrenic neurotization to elements of the brachial plexus with root avulsion injuries. Recipient nerves included musculocutaneous nerve in 125 patients (78 direct neurotizations and 48 with intervening autograft), median nerve in 10 patients, and a variety of other nerves in 28 patients. Sixty‐five patients presented a follow‐up period of 2 or more years. Of this group, 55 patients (84.6%) achieved a recovery of M‐3 or better. We observed no long‐term deleterious effects on respiratory function.
Experimental peripheral nerve repair: Environmental control directed at the cellular level
Authors: Zellem Ronald T. , Miller David W. , Kenning James A. , Hoenig Eugene M. , Buchheit William A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study recognizes recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of peripheral nerves at the cellular level. It has reproduced study conditions originally advocated by de Medinaceli and coworkers, with modifications. Eighty‐four rats were divided into three groups. Group A underwent sciatic nerve transection and standard perineurial repair. Group B nerves were frozen, severed with a vibrating blade, and reconnected by tubulization with a rubber cuff while bathed in solutions designed to inhibit Ca++‐calmodulin activation, maintain colloid osmotic pressure, and mimic ambient electrolytic conditions. Group C underwent a similar procedure as group B, with the rubber cuff replaced by a polyglycolic acid mesh. All animals were randomized and evaluated functionally in terms of a sciatic index. By post‐operative day 225, animals of group A recovered 37% of function, group B recovered 74%, and group C recovered 67%. Compound action potential recordings revealed a velocity recovery of 41% in group A, 70% in group B, and 81% in group C. Microscopic evaluation provided evidence for corresponding structural improvement. This new method of nerve repair is uncomplicated, relatively inexpensive, and easily adaptable to other animal models.
Emergency knee joint salvage utilizing a free musculofasciocutaneous flap based on the anterior tibial artery: Case report
Authors: Comtet J. J. , Saint Cast Y. , Remy D. , Herzberg G. , Michel A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA young adult male presented with a traumatic amputation at the upper third of his left leg and an extensive soft tissue loss around his left knee. A free musculofasciocutaneous flap was elevated on the anterolateral part of the amputated segment and transferred to the soft tissue defect around the proximal left tibia in order to avoid an above‐knee amputation. The entire flap depends on the anterior tibial artery for its blood supply. The anatomy of the flap is outlined. The importance of the musculocutaneous blood supply as well as the presence of an extensive fascial component make the flap very reliable. An 18‐month follow‐up period showed a uniformly well‐contoured soft tissue coverage and an optimal functional result.
Foot salvage in arteriolosclerotic and diabetic patients by free flaps after vascular bypass: Report of two cases
Authors: Shenaq Saleh M. , Dinh Tue A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractVascular bypass has been a successful procedure for the salvage of ischemic limbs. Amputation after vascular bypass procedures alone is common when extensive ulceration, osteomyelitis, or bone‐tendon exposure is present, especially in the diabetic patient. We report two patients in whom the foot was salvaged by microsurgical free flap after revascularization with bypass grafting. Both patients are diabetic who presented with severe arteriolosclerotic foot, associated with extensive ulceration as well as bone and tendon exposure.
An easy and safe way to dress limb flaps in the dog
Authors: Dvir E. , Morrison W. A. , O'Brien B. M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWhen a flap is elevated In a human, the patient is usually managed with bed rest. The same conditions are impractical in dogs. Sometimes a flap in the dog must be protected from the dog itself by applying a special cast or a bucket on the head. An easy, safe, inexpensive, and quick method to dress the dog, by simply applying hot pepper into the dressing, is described.
Free‐flap reconstruction of large head and neck defects in the elderly
Authors: Peters Glenn E. , Grotting James C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAdvanced‐stage and recurrent malignancies of the head and neck place severe demands on both the surgical team and the patient. Marked alterations in cosmesis and function are to be expected following major ablative surgery. The use of free tissue transfer with microvascular anastomoses has provided the head and neck surgeon the freedom to resect these lesions aggressively and to provide the patient with improved cosmesis, function, and protection of vital structures. A series of six cases involving patients at The University of Alabama at Birmingham over the past year is presented.
A survey of microsurgery training in the United States
Authors: Goossens Dennis P. , Gruel Suzann M. , Rao Venkat K. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe increasing use of clinical and experimental microsurgical techniques has created a need for standardized, high‐quality training programs in microsurgery. Towards this end, we conducted a study of the microsurgery instruction available in the United States. The data were collected from responses to surveys mailed to 55 microsurgery training centers across the country. Survey questions asked for a general characterization of each training program and its participants and for a specific description of course content. The results indicated that, even though training programs differed considerably, there were common elements. Total course length ranged from less than 40 hours to 80 hours, with a range of 32–40 hours devoted to basic microsurgery techniques. Forty percent of instructional programs were not certified for continuing medical education (CME) credit. Half of all reported trainees were residents in training. The basic microsurgery techniques common to most programs included instruction in microvascular end‐to‐end and end‐to‐side anastomoses of femoral arteries and veins in rats. Instruction in peripheral nerve repair was not offered. We conclude that, although there are merits to a diverse curriculum, it is time to institute a minimum level of standardized basic microsurgery training.
Flow field mapping in the anesthetized rat
Authors: Joos Karen M. , Blair William F. , Brown Thomas D. , Gable Ronald H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis study measured the hemodynamics of peripheral arterial sites in the rat, using 20 MHz pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocimeter (PUDVM) methods. The lower extremities of 14 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were studied. The targeted sites included the abdominal aorta, external iliac, proximal femoral, mid‐femoral, and saphenous arteries. The hemodynamic variables of pulse period, maximum centerline velocity, lumen diameter, and mean volumetric flow were calculated interactively from temporal‐spatial plots of local velocity distributions. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences between right and left sides for lumen diameter (P = 0.028) and mean volumetric flow (P < 0.0001). The analysis showed no statistical difference for pulse period (P = 0.0836) among sites. However, three distinct groupings of sites: (1) abdominal aorta, (2) external iliac, proximal femoral, and mid‐femoral arteries, and (3) saphenous artery were noted for the remaining hemodynamic variables (P < 0.05). These results indicate that three hemodynamically distinct regions are available for microvascular research in the rat lower extremity arterial tree.
Comparison of laser‐assisted and conventionally sutured microvascular anastomoses by bursting pressure: A reanalysis and further studies
Authors: Flemming A. F. S. , Bown S. G. , Colles M. J. , Brough M. D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMethods of testing the strength of microvascular anastomoses are reviewed historically, in the light of recent applications to laser‐assisted microvascular anastomosis techniques. The results of two experiments using hydrostatic distension to bursting point to determine the strengths of laser‐assisted and conventionally sutured anastomoses of rat arteries and veins are presented. Considerable variation of the bursting pressures was found at any given time after anastomosis, and by the third postoperative day, the sutured vessels showed a significant fall in strength to their weakest level, with not as great a fall in the laser group. The sutured vessels were stronger than were the laser‐anastomosed vessels, except at 3 days and after 6 weeks, when there were no significant differences between the two types of anastomosis. Aneurysmal vessels did not always burst at lower pressures than did nonaneurysmal vessels of comparable age.
Microsurgical reconstruction: The weightbearing surface of the foot
Authors: Meland N. Bradly 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMicrosurgical reconstruction in the weightbearing surface of the foot is discussed. Thirty‐eight patients treated at the Mayo Clinic are reviewed as well as a review of the current literature, leaving 122 patients for analysis. Minor complication rates in the skin grafted muscle flaps were 18.5% and major complication rates requiring further surgery were found in 12.9%. Fasciocutaneous and cutaneous flaps had a 25% incidence of minor complications and a 26% incidence of major complications requiring further surgery. No definite conclusions can be drawn as to which flap is indeed the best, but the newer, thinner fasciocutaneous flaps with innervation seem to hold promise. Future considerations are also discussed.
Technical successes and functional failures after free tissue transfer to the tibia
Authors: Yakuboff Kevin P. , Stern Peter J. , Neale Henry W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA retrospective study evaluated functional outcome in 59 patients with 61 successful free tissue transfers performed after open tibial fractures. Twentyone patients had transfers done within 7 days, 13 between 7 and 21 days, and 25 were done greater than 3 weeks after injury. All 59 patients had Type III injuries as classified by Gustilo and Anderson. Nineteen patients (32%) were identified as late functional failures. Each of these patients underwent as average of 10 procedures. In this group chronic osteomyelitis was noted in 13 of 19 patients and chronic venous insufficiency with skin ulceration in 9 of 19 patients. Fracture nonunion was seen in 8 of 19. Degenerative joint problems and foot deformities were identified in 7 or 19 patients. Seven patients (12%) ultimately required below‐knee amputation. Functional failure did not correlate with the timing of flap application, but rather with the severity of the initial injury. Free tissue transfer is not a panacea. It is but one step in the overall reconstruction of complex tibial wounds.
Femoral reconstruction by vascularized bone transfer
Authors: Wood Michael B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThirty‐five patients with extensive femoral defects or recalcitrant nonunions were reconstructed by microvascular bone transfer with a follow‐up period exceeding 12 months. The cause of bone defect included trauma, debridement for osteomyelitis, or tumor resection, and the cause of nonunion included trauma or postirradiation osteonecrosis. Sixty‐nine percent of patients healed primarily, whereas 83% of patients ultimately progressed to union following secondary surgery. One patient who initially healed later required amputation for late graft fracture with nonunion; therefore, at final follow‐up, 80% of patients were fully healed. Vascularized bone transfer merits strong consideration for reconstruction of atypical and particularly difficult femoral nonunions.
Experimental investigation of cross‐nerve transfers relating to repair of brachial plexus avulsion injuries
Authors: Battiston Bruno , Guizzi Pierangelo , Vigasio Adolfo , Brunelli Giorgio 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThere is a lack of agreement regarding the potential for peripheral nerve cells with short axons to regenerate and innervate the terminal end organs of nerve cells with long axons. We designed a study to evaluate experimentally the possibility of neurons to reconstitute much longer axonal segments. Twenty Wistar rats were used. The brachial plexus was isolated and the radial nerve transected immediately after its origin. The proximal end of the axillary nerve (previously cut) then was coapted to the distal stump of the radial nerve. In 10 other rats, the cut radial nerve was simply recoapted to itself without involvement of the axillary nerve; these animals served as controls. Finally, in 10 rats, nerves were cut without repair to evaluate the degenerative changes. After 90 days, the distal part of the radial nerve was examined by light microscopy, calculating the number and area of regenerated axons. We also checked the motor end‐plates of reinnervated muscles. In the nerve‐transferred group, good axonal regeneration with good reinnervation of the muscles was seen. In this way, we have experimentally demonstrated a plasticity of regeneration in peripheral nerves. This suggests that the surgeon may use nerves connected to proximal muscles to neurotize avulsed nerves of distal muscles.