The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-13
GRATING NERVES TO MAN.
Interesting Record of Transpla nta-
ton and It's Benefits.
New York Press.

In as certain proportion of cases of in
turies to nerves the ends cannot be brought
together and portion OF nerve obtained
from one OF the lower animals or from an
amputated limb has been implanted. DR.. X.
Peterson contributed important article
on transplantation of nerves to the Amer
contains an original case and an analysis
OF the small number of previously recorded
cases.
man aged twenty-four was severely in
tured in the right wrist by a circular saw.
The ulnar artery and flexor tendons were
severed. The latter were Immediately SUI
tured. He lost sensibility in the hand and
later there were atrophlc changes-glossy
skin, corrugated nails and liberation of the
skin, and marked atrophy of the small
muscles. Five months after the injury the
divided ends of the median nerve were ex-
posed. They were found to be united by
connective tissue. The proximal end formed
a hard bulb. The connective tissue and the
bulb were removed. leaving a gap. So much
force was required to bring together the
cut encs that transportation OF nerve was
decided upon.
Four centimeters of the sciatic nerve of
young black hound were sutured between
the ends with kangaroo tendon. A SIM
liar operation was performed on the ulnar
nerve. On the following day distinct re-
turn of sensibility in the thumb was found;
disturbing the bandage Two months after
operation the skin had lost its shiny look
and appeared normal and the muscles,
though still atrophied. were rega.ning
power month later sensibility was com
plete. except on the dorsal surface Of the
third phalanges of the second, third ana
fourth fingers. The only anesthetic areas
on the palmar aspect were on the second
and third phalanges Of the third and fourth
fingers and on the third phalanx OF the
There are twenty recorded cases of trans
plantation of nerves. The median nerve
was operated on in seven cases. the ulnar in
three. the median and lunar nerves IN tW s,
the musculo-spiral nerve in seven, and the
sciatic in one. There were eight primary
and twelve secondary operations Inc time
from the injury to the operation varied from
forty-eight hours TO one and quarter
years. Eight out of the twelve cases or
secondary operation showed Improvement in
sensihlity or motion, while only four out
of the eight cases of primary operation i'm
proved. The interval between the ends of
the divided nerves varied from three to ten
centimetres. but distance did not seem 10
planted segments were from the sciatic
nerves of dogs, in three from rabbits, in one
from a kitten. in one from the spinal cord
OF rabbit. and in five from recently ampu-
tated limbs. In one case an inch OF the sell
attic nerve which had been excised was it
self transplanted. In nine cases catgut was
used TO unite the implanted segments to the
divided ends. in three silk, and in one kan
CARGO tendon.
No case recovered entirely The nearest
approach TO complete recovery took place
in the case longest under observation, in
which at the end of six years sensibility
had entirely returned and the only weak
muscle was the abductor pollicis- In three
cases there was practically recovery of SEN
sibility and motion and the hand was use
full. Sensibiltty completely returned in four
cases. nearly completely in three cases. and
was improved in four cases. Muscular power
improved in four cases. There was inn
provement in either motion or sensibility in
twelve cases. and no Improvement In either
In six cases. The average time In which
sensibiEty appeared after the operation was
about ten days; motion returned in about
two and a half months.