Repair of radial and digital nerve defect with human acellular nerve allograft:6 cases report

Abstract

Objective To explore the safety and clinical effect of the human acellular nerve allograft (hANG) for repairing peripheral nerve defects.Methods During November,2009 to October,2010,6 patients with 3 digital nerve defects and 3 radial nerve defects were repaired with hANG.During postoperation period,safety was evaluated by local wound response and laboratory testing,while the efficacy was evaluated by British Medical Research Council sensory function assessment standards,static 2-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing.Results Three patients with 6 digital nerve defects received hANG transplant.The length of nerve graft was 20-50 mm(mean 30.8 mm).After followed up for 31-40 months,the excellent rate of 2PD was 66.7％.Two of 3 patients rahabilited as well as the normal.Three patients with radial nerve defects,whose length of nerve graft was 35-60 mm(mean 48.3 mm).The strength of extensor carpiradialis longus muscle had restored Ⅲ in 1 case,and other 2 cases had no restoration.Conclusion hANG is safe and effective for repairing peripheral nerve defects,especially for digital nerve defects. Key words: Peripheral nerve defects; Radial nerve; Digital nerve; Human acellular nerve allograft; Transplantation