Nerve Cable Grafting Research Articles

Combined proximal nerve graft and distal nerve transfer for a posterior cord brachial plexus injury

The treatment of patients with prolonged denervation from a posterior cord brachial plexus injury is challenging and no management guidelines exist to follow. The authors describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented to our clinic for treatment 11 months after suffering a high-energy injury to the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. A combined 9-cm proximal cable nerve graft procedure and a pronator branch to the posterior interosseous nerve transfer were performed. Satisfactory deltoid, triceps, wrist, and finger extensor recovery was noted 3 years after surgery. Patients with prolonged denervation from posterior cord injuries can be successfully treated with a combination of a proximal nerve graft and a distal nerve transfer.

Motor Nerve to the Vastus Lateralis

Objective To further delineate the anatomy of the motor nerve to the vastus lateralis (MNVL) in the context of its use as a possible interpositional nerve graft in facial nerve rehabilitation.Methods Twelve fresh human cadaveric thighs were dissected to investigate the anatomic location and branching pattern of the MNVL muscle.Results There were 3 to 6 primary nerve branches (mean, 4.4) supplying the vastus lateralis. The mean primary branch length was 93.8 mm (range, 51-196 mm), and each primary branch had a mean of 2.3 subsequent branches. There were 2 larger caliber branches (>2 mm in diameter) supplying the proximal and distal muscle. The nerve branches are variable in their relation to the vascular pedicle and perforating vessels of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.Conclusion The nerve to the vastus lateralis is a readily available, redundant motor nerve suitable for facial nerve cable grafting.

Intraosseous Median Nerve Entrapment Following Pediatric Posterior Elbow Dislocation

Intra-articular entrapment of the median nerve following reduction of a pediatric posterior elbow dislocation is a rare complication but has been reported in the literature.This article describes a case of a 7-year-old girl who sustained a posterior elbow dislocation associated with a medial epicondyle fracture and the subsequent intraosseous entrapment of her median nerve. The entrapment is believed to have resulted from new bone formation over the nerve that went unrecognized for nearly 2 years following injury. Routine imaging studies failed to detect the entrapment prior to exploratory surgery. Intra-articular entrapment of the median nerve must be suspected following pediatric elbow dislocation when concentric reduction fails, postreduction images demonstrate joint widening, or the patient has persistent clinical symptoms. This case demonstrates the potential for delay in diagnosis of the cause for neurological impairment following a relatively common injury in the pediatric population.Objective intraoperative findings and intraoperative micropathology aided in limiting the amount of nerve resected to nonviable portions. Our case demonstrates the potential use of a cable nerve graft to bridge segmental defects in peripheral nerves.

Simultaneous Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Temporalis Tendon Transfer to Optimize Facial Form and Function After Radical Parotidectomy

Background Extirpation of aggressive parotid or cutaneous facial tumors often involves facial nerve sacrifice and the creation of a large soft-tissue defect. We describe a method for single-stage reconstruction during radical parotidectomy to restore facial form and function without additional morbidity. Methods We conducted a review of immediate reconstruction/reanimation of radical parotidectomy defects with the use of anterolateral thigh (ALT) fat and fascia flaps for facial contouring, orthodromic temporalis tendon transfer (OTTT), cable grafting of the facial nerve, and fascia lata lower lip suspension. Results Five patients (mean age, 67.4 years) underwent extirpation of malignant tumors with facial nerve sacrifice resulting in large soft-tissue deficits. All patients had ALT free tissue transfer to correct facial contour defects and OTTT to restore facial form and function. Four patients underwent cable grafting of facial nerve branches. Branches of the motor nerve to the vastus lateralis harvested from the ALT surgical site were used for cable nerve grafting in 3 patients. Fascia lata from the same ALT harvest site was used for lower lip suspension to the OTTT in 4 patients. There were no donor site complications. All patients achieved midfacial symmetry at rest, oral competence with dynamic corner-of-mouth movement, and full eye closure. Conclusions Tumor clearance, symmetric facial appearance, as well as dynamic facial rehabilitation were accomplished in a single-stage procedure using the method described herein. The ALT free flap provides versatile options for soft-tissue defects as well as access to motor nerves optimal for grafting without additional morbidity. Patients undergoing extirpation of malignant tumors requiring facial nerve sacrifice can undergo immediate free tissue contour reconstruction and facial reanimation procedures with no additional morbidity.

Facial Schwannomas: Various Presentations and their Management with Literature Review

Facial schwannomas or neuromas are rare entity. They often are confused with vestibular schwannomas on imaging, especially if they are limited to the cisternal segment of the facial nerve. Awareness regarding this entity is paramount for the early diagnosis and correct management which may differ from patient to patient. We share the different clinical presentations of this rare benign tumour and discuss their management strategies in light of the affected segment of the nerve. The results were analyzed along with review of literature. Three cases of facial schwannomas were analyzed retrospectively during last 4years and their presentation, imaging, preferred surgical approaches, intra-operative findings and post grafting results are discussed. All three patients underwent surgical excision with sural nerve cable grafting and have no recurrence till date. However, the facial paresis remained the same in one of the cases while improvement was observed in two patients. The improvement was delayed in one patient as documented by electromyography of facial muscles. Facial schwannomas are slow growing tumours with low incidence. Usual presentations can sometimes be masked. Appropriate management decision needs to be arrived after considering three determinants i.e. the patient's age, hearing status and the severity of facial paresis (House-Brackmann grading). Nerve reconstruction after excision should be performed in each case and sometimes the results may be delayed. It is thus important to keep a close surviellance during the follow up and to perform the electrophysiological tests frequently so as to detect the earliest signs of regeneration (which can be delayed up to 18months).

Iatrogenic facial nerve palsy "Prevention is better than cure": Analysis of four cases

Iatrogenic facial nerve palsy in mastoid surgery is considered a crime or a taboo in the present scenario of medical science. But one has to accept the fact that every otologist encounters this entity at some point in his/her career. Hence it is of prime importance to be equipped to detect and to manage these cases. The obvious and disfiguring facial deformity it causes makes this a dreaded complication. Our article here discusses our experience in managing four cases of iatrogenic facial palsy. The etiology in all the cases was mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma. The detection of the site and repair was performed by the same surgeon in all cases. The facial nerve was transected completely in three cases, and in one case there was partial loss (>50%) of fibers. Cable nerve grafting was utilized in three patients. There was grade 4 improvement in three patients who underwent cable nerve grafting, and one patient had grade 2 recovery after end-to-end anastomosis. A good anatomical knowledge and experience with temporal bone dissection is of great importance in preventing facial nerve injury. If facial nerve injury is detected, it should be managed as early as possible. An end-to-end anastomosis provides better results in final recovery as opposed to cable nerve grafting for facial nerve repair.

Periocular cosmesis

Abstract Purpose Facial nerve paralysis is one of the most devastating peripheral nerve injuries which implies severe functional, cosmetic and psychological consequences to the patients. The periocular area can be improved cosmetically by raising the tissues that have been drooped. These techniques are brow lift for the forehead‐ brow area, midface lift for the mid part of the face and face lift for restoring the contour of the tissues of the lower face. These are static techniques and support the tissues that are not any more innervated and are atrophied and drooped by the force of gravity. Methods In particular brow lift can be achieved by direct incision over the brow, by endoscopic forehead‐brow lift using anchoring systems or alternatively by small incision non endoscopic forehead brow lift through an eyelid incision. Midface lift can be achieved by subperiosteal or pre‐periosteal lift of the tissues or by using a suspension system. Face lift can be achieved with a deep planar rhytidectomy which can lift the tissues of the mid and lower face. Combination of forehead, midface and face lift can be necessary for the maximal possible symmetry of the face in a static position. There is a limitation of these techniques in regards to the dynamic reanimation of the face. There are several dynamic procedures helping at this direction. Results In particular, in case of a transected facial nerve, the disrupted facial nerve can be restored by α) direct end–to‐end coaptation or by β) cable nerve graft interposition Other techniques include: • Temporalis muscle transfer • Free nerve‐muscle grafts • Ipsilateral nerve transposition • Facial nerve‐cross face anastomosis. Conclusion The above available dynamic procedures may provide some degree of facial tone or voluntary facial movement.

The impact of radiotherapy on facial nerve repair.

To study the impact of radiotherapy on the success of primary facial nerve repair and cable nerve grafts. Retrospective review. Pre- and postoperative facial nerve function were assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system. Thirty-nine patients were identified who had undergone facial nerve repair: 5 patients (13%) underwent primary repair, and 34 patients (87%) underwent nerve grafting. Radiotherapy was administered postoperatively to 34 patients (87%). Preoperative HB scores were I = 18, II = 11, III = 3, IV = 3, V = 3, and VI = 1. Postoperative scores were HB I = 1, II = 4, III = 16, IV = 6, V = 3, and VI = 9. Only patients with single-branch deficits recovered to HB I or II function. Good facial function (HB I-III) was achieved in 17 of 34 patients (50%) who received postoperative radiotherapy compared to 4 of 5 patients (80%) who did not receive postoperative radiotherapy (P = .349). Among the patients who had either HB I or II function preoperatively, 59% achieved good postoperative function (HB I-III). Four out of 10 patients (40%) with significantly compromised preoperative facial function (HB III-VI) were able to achieve HB III function. Postoperative radiotherapy appears not to prevent achieving good facial function after a nerve repair, especially when normal or near-normal function is present preoperatively. Some patients with fair to little function preoperatively can achieve reasonable postoperative function with facial nerve reconstruction.

Lessons Learned From a Case of Proximal Humeral Locked Plating Gone Awry

A 59-year-old woman underwent plate fixation of her 2-part anatomic neck proximal humerus fracture through an open anterolateral approach. The fixation subsequently failed, and the operation resulted in a dense axillary nerve palsy. Six weeks after her initial procedure, she was returned to the operating room. Exploration of the nerve revealed that it was compressed beneath the plate and irreparably damaged. Sural nerve cable grafting was required in an attempt to salvage deltoid function. The recent introduction of proximal humeral locking plates provides an opportunity for surgeons to reevaluate their methods of managing proximal humerus fractures. Indications for operative fixation have broadened, and a renewed interest in the anterolateral surgical approach has been reported. This case is the first description of an axillary nerve injury occurring in association with the open anterolateral approach when used for the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture and serves as a reminder that surgeons considering the use of a lateral approach must have a thorough understanding of axillary nerve anatomy. An additional review of the case provides a forum for discussion of the anterolateral approach to the proximal humerus and an opportunity to highlight the methods that can be used to optimize fixation when locked plates are employed. It must be emphasized that our enthusiasm for advances in technique and technology should not distract from basic surgical principles when treating these fractures.

Intracranial facial nerve grafting after removal of vestibular schwannoma

Objective The objectives of this study were to evaluate outcomes from facial nerve (FN) cable grafting in patients who experienced FN transection during vestibular schwannoma removal and to compare the FN outcomes of patients who underwent FN grafting by using fibrin glue with those of patients who underwent FN grafting by using microsuture. Material and methods We retrospectively evaluated a series of 33 patients in whom FN grafting was achieved either by using microsuture (8 cases) or fibrin glue (25 cases). Immediate repair of the FN was performed in all cases at the time of initial resection. The patients FN function was assessed preoperatively, in the immediate postoperative period, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months or more postoperatively using the House-Brackmann grading system. All patients had at least 1-year follow-up. Results At 12 months, a House-Brackmann grade III was achieved in 75% of those who underwent cable nerve graft interposition by using microsuture and in 76% of those who underwent cable nerve graft interposition by using fibrin glue. Analysis of final FN function outcomes demonstrated no statistically significant difference in FN outcomes between the 2 groups ( P = .891, Mann-Whitney U test; P = .1, Fisher exact test). Conclusions The functional results after FN cable grafting by using fibrin glue exclusively were equivalent to those obtained with microsuture. However, the technique of FN repair by means of fibrin glue is technically simple, less time-consuming, and imparts less trauma on the nerve than does the traditional suture method.

Long-term functional results of primary reconstruction of severe forearm injuries

Severe forearm injuries caused by machinery such as a power saw represented about 0.2% of all upper limb injuries operated on in the plastic surgery section of our institute between 1993 and 1997. These are complex and contaminated injuries with severe damage to skin, muscles, tendons, nerves, vessels and bones. Primary repair or reconstruction of all the divided vital structures was carried out in our series of four patients, including one 4-cm cable nerve graft for a median nerve defect. After an average 22-month follow up, the functional results showed grade M4 motor recovery and better than grade S3+ sensory recovery of the hand in all four patients. We suggest that a definitive primary procedure is best when possible. This will achieve a better functional outcome from early neural regeneration, and will reduce the frequency of secondary procedures, cause less scarring, and shorten the duration of hospital stays and rehabilitation periods.

Primary tumours of the facial nerve: diagnostic and surgical treatment experience in Chinese PLA General Hospital

Conclusions. The commonest manifestation of facial nerve tumours was facial paralysis, followed by hearing loss. During tumour resection facial nerve continuity should be maintained and reconstructed in one stage wherever possible. If this is not a viable option, second-stage surgery should be performed as soon as possible after surgery. Objective. To summarize the clinical characteristics of tumours of the facial nerve and discuss their diagnosis and treatment. Patients and methods. Twenty-two cases of primary facial nerve tumours were reviewed. These cases were confirmed pathologically and treated in the Chinese PLA General Hospital during the period 1986–2003, where the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of this series were analysed. Results. Among the 22 cases, 14 were facial neurilemmomas, 6 were facial neurofibromas and 2 were facial nerve haemangiomas. The commonest presenting symptom in all cases was facial paralysis (14/22) followed by hearing loss (10/22). Facial paralysis was also the commonest sign of a facial nerve tumour (18/22), followed by a swollen mass in the tympanic cavity (8/22) and a swollen mass in the external auditory canal (5/22). The 22 tumours were totally resected surgically. The function of the facial nerve was normal (grade I) in two cases where the integrity of the nerve was preserved during the operation, grade II in one case and grade III in another case where it was possible to maintain partial continuity of the facial nerve. The facial nerve was reconstructed in one stage when the tumours were resected, with facial–great auricular–facial nerve cable grafting (10 cases) and facial–lateral femoral cutaneous–facial nerve cable grafting (1 case). The facial nerve function consequently recovered to grade II–IV. The second stage facial–hypoglossal nerve anastomosis was carried out in two cases, and facial function consequently recovered to grade II in one case at 3 years and grade III in another with 2 years follow-up. In five cases, the facial nerve remained discontinuous and the facial nerve function showed no recovery (grade VI).

Complete Recovery of Radial Nerve Function with Long Proximal Origin Early Cable Nerve Grafting

Recovery following cable nerve grafting of mixed nerve defects ranges from complete to total absence of recovery, depending on a number of well-recognized variables. The age of the patient, the level of injury, the length of the grafts, and the time from injury to surgery are usually recognized as the most powerful and controlling variables in the equation of recovery. The manner in which many series on nerve grafting have been published, causes the trends in the primary variables to be well-known, but does not do a good job of clearly delineating a borderline across which expectations for recovery drop off. Radial nerve motor deficits can be treated very successfully with tendon transfers, and the sensory loss is non-discriminative. If the expectation for good motor recovery with cable nerve grafting is uncertain, then the donor-site morbidity of the sural nerve harvest and the time spent awaiting recovery may not appear worth it for some patients.

Functional Outcome Following Single vs. Multiple Cable Nerve Grafting

The authors compared a single fascicle nerve (SFN) repair technique to the traditional nerve trunk autograft. A rat sciatic nerve model was used to determine if a thinner SFN autograft would provide adequate nerve regeneration for a nerve gap repair and result in more rapid nerve regeneration than the conventional nerve trunk grafting technique. The hypothesis was that a pure sensorial graft would allow return of both sensory and motor function as well as a mixed graft.

Mesenchymal stem cells in iatrogenic facial nerve paralysis: a possible role in the future

Iatrogenic facial nerve paralysis is one of the major and drastic complications of ear surgery. We report a case of a 20-year-old female patient with simple chronic otitis media who underwent mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty. During the mastoidectomy process the facial nerve was unintentionally destroyed, leaving a gap of 8-10 mm in the third segment of the intratemporal facial nerve. The nerve was repaired with a nerve cable graft obtained from the vicinity. On the 42nd day, autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation was performed after facial nerve trauma. The patient's facial nerve paralysis has recovered from House-Brackmann grade VI to IV within a week and then to III in the fifth month. The rapid, postoperative progress, and the early follow-up results are discussed. This case represents the first bone marrow stem cell application in a peripheral nerve, namely the facial nerve.

A Comparison of Surgical Techniques Used in Dynamic Reanimation of the Paralyzed Face

To compare the outcomes of three surgical techniques used in the rehabilitation of the paralyzed face. Retrospective study. University-based tertiary referral center. Between 1976 and 2000, rehabilitative facial nerve surgery was performed on 70 adult patients with varying underlying diseases. Three methods of facial nerve rehabilitative surgery were performed: end-to-end anastomosis, cable nerve graft interposition, and classic faciohypoglossal transposition. The House-Brackmann grade was scored at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months by the two senior authors. A favorable outcome was defined as House-Brackmann Grade </= III. Other parameters recorded were repair technique, age, nerve rerouting, whether the repair was immediate or delayed, and the anatomic position of the nerve defect in relation to the geniculate ganglion. Data were available on 66 patients (94%), of whom 13 had an end-to-end anastomosis, 25 a cable nerve graft interposition, and 28 a classic faciohypoglossal transposition. At 24 months, a House-Brackmann Grade </= III was achieved in 84.6% of those who underwent end-to-end anastomosis, 56.0% of those who underwent cable nerve graft interposition, and 25.0% of those who underwent classical faciohypoglossal transposition. End-to-end anastomosis and cable nerve graft interposition were superior to classic faciohypoglossal transposition (log-rank test, p = 0.0013). Twenty-five percent of all cases demonstrated improvement in House-Brackmann grade after 24 months. Increasing age at the time of repair was associated with a poorer outcome (p = 0.03 on logistic regression). End-to-end anastomosis confers the best facial function, followed by cable nerve graft interposition and then classic faciohypoglossal transposition. Contrary to some previous opinions, improvement in facial function can still occur 2 years after surgical repair, particularly with classic faciohypoglossal transposition.

Surgical treatment of shotgun injuries of the sciatic nerve

To explore the clinical characteristics and the effect of surgical therapy for shotgun injuries of the sciatic nerve. From 1996 to 2000, 19 sciatic nerve injuries resulted from shotgun were observed. Among 19 cases of shotgun sciatic nerve wounds, the gluteal wound was in 2 cases, thigh wound in 15 cases, and knee wound in 2 cases. The firing distance was between 0.5-9 m. According to Shermen classification of shotgun injury, 4 cases belonged to type I injury, 11 cases type II, 4 cases type III. The time from injury to admission was between 2 months-14 months except 1 patient who underwent emergency operation 4 hours after injury, and 1 patient was treated with debridement and epineurial neurorrhaphy, 7 cases with nerve trunk grafting, 6 cases with nerve cable grafting, 4 cases with neurolysis, 1 case with arthrodesis of ankle. Nineteen cases were followed-up for 0.8-3.5 years (mean, 19 months). The excellent and good nerve functional recovery was found in 52.6% according to MCRR. Shotgun injuries of the sciatic nerve are very severe and complicated, and injuries in most patients were usually complicated by open fracture, vascular injury, soft-tissue loss and infection; the character of nerve injury was classified as 4-5 degree according to Sunderland Standard, nerve transfer is effective in the treatment of shotgun injuries of the sciatic nerve, but outcome is poor; the recovery of the sciatic nerve should be observed continually after injury; selecting correct initial treatment after injury, strict minimally invasive surgical procedure, physical therapy and reasonable preoperative and postoperative medication can improve the surgical results.

Current Concepts in the Management of Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injuries: The Taipei Experience

Excluding patients in the early period before 1992 because of immaturity and patients after 2000 because the follow-up period is not long enough, we collected and operated for 78 patients with an initial obstetrical brachial plexus operation during the period of infancy with an average age of 4.9 months (range, 3–9 months). Another 10 patients were operated beyond the period of infancy, with an average age of 19.2 months (range, 12–30 months). The results show that, when indicated, surgical treatment is still more valuable than conservation in both ruptured and avulsed cases. Some conclusions are drawn. An initial obstetrical brachial plexus palsy with no elbow flexion but good hand function is not an urgent indication for early exploration. However, an obstetrical brachial plexus palsy with total hand palsy is an urgent indication requiring early nerve surgery within 3 months. Nerve grafts for ruptured cases should be as short and numerous as possible. Direction of nerve grafts to the planned target nerves yielded better results than the cable nerve grafts randomly, achieving less aberrant reinnervation between shoulder and elbow. Nerve transfers should be applied often in avulsed cases, including intraplexus and extraplexus transfers. Nerve transfer has the further advantage of minimizing the aberrant reinnervation between shoulder and elbow.

Reconstruction of complex parotidectomy defects using the lateral arm free tissue transfer

Objectives The study goal was to show that the lateral arm flap is a viable reconstructive option for complex parotidectomy defects. Study design and setting We studied a case series at a tertiary care medical center from March 1997 to March 2002. The lateral arm flap was used to reconstruct parotidectomy defects that included a composite resection of adjacent tissue in 30 patients. There were 19 men and 11 women (mean age, 62 years; mean follow-up, 19 months). The mean flap area was 114 cm 2, and the mean flap volume was 172 cm 3. The posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF) was used as a facial nerve cable graft in 14 patients. Facial disability outcomes were measured using the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale. Results The major and minor complication rates with use of this reconstructive approach were low: 16.7% (5 of 30) and 26.7% (8 of 30), respectively. Donor site morbidity was minimal, with no patient having a major donor site complication and 23.3% (7 of 30) having minor complications. Functional recovery of the facial nerve occurred in 6 of 8 evaluable patients who underwent facial nerve grafting using the PCNF. Controlling for degree of facial nerve paralysis, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale scores of our patients were not statistically different than those of a historic population with a facial paralysis and no surgical defect. Conclusions The lateral arm free flap effectively restores facial appearance when used for reconstruction of complex parotidectomy defects. The PCNF, a nerve harvested with the lateral arm flap, can be used as a facial nerve cable graft with a high rate of success. Significance The lateral arm flap is successful as a single donor site for reconstructing facial contour and the facial nerve after major ablative defects in the parotid region.

Transplantation in peripheral nerve injuries

Autologous nerve grafting is the most commocommnlynly used operative technique in delayed primary, or secondary nerve repair after the peripheral nerve injuries. The aim of this procedure is to overcome nerve gaps that results from the injury itself, fibrous and elastic retraction forces, resection of the damaged parts of the nerve, position of the articulations and mobilisation of the nerve. In this study we analyse the results of operated patients with transections and lacerations of the peripheral nerves from 1979 to 2000 year. Gunshot injuries have not been analyzed in this study. The majority of the injuries were in the upper extremity (more than 87% of cases). Donor for nerve transplantation had usually been sural nerve, and only occasionally medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm was used. In about 93% of cases we used interfascicular nerve grafting, and cable nerve grafting was performed in the rest of them. Most of the grafts were 1 do 5 cm long (70% of cases). Functional recovery was achieved in more than 86% of cases, which is similar to the results of the other authors. Follow up period was minimum 2 years. We analyzed the influence of different factors on nerve recovery after the operation: patient's age, location and the extent (total or partial) of nerve injury, the length of the nerve graft, type of the nerve, timing of surgery, presence of multiple nerve injuries and associated osseal and soft tissue injuries of the upper and lower extremities.