High Ulnar Nerve Injuries Research Articles

Supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve transfer to restore intrinsic function in high ulnar nerve injury: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundHigh ulnar nerve injuries is known to have unfavorable motor outcomes compared to other peripheral nerve injuries in the upper extremity. Functional muscle recovery after peripheral nerve injury depends on the time to motor end plate reinnervation and the number of motor axons that successfully reach the target muscle. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional recovery, and complications following performing supercharge end-to-side (SETS) anastomosis for proximal ulnar nerve injuries. Our study focuses on the role of SETS in the recovery process of high ulnar nerve injury.Patient and methodsThis study is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, case series. The original proximal nerve pathology was dealt with according to the cause of injury, then SETS was performed distally. The follow-up period was 18 months. We compared the neurological findings before and after the procedure. A new test was used to show the effect of SETS on recovery by performing a Lidocaine proximal ulnar nerve block test.ResultsRecovery of the motor function of the ulnar nerve was evident in 33 (86.8%) patients. The mean time to intrinsic muscle recovery was 6.85 months ± 1.3, only 11.14% of patients restored protective sensation to the palm and finger and 86.8% showed sensory level at the wrist level at the end of the follow-up period. Lidocaine block test was performed on 35 recovered patients and showed no change in intrinsic hand function in 31 patients.ConclusionSETS exhibit a remarkable role in the treatment of high ulnar nerve damage. SETS transfer can act as a nerve transfer that can supply intrinsic muscles by its fibers and allows for proximal nerve regeneration. We believe that this technique improves recovery of hand motor function and allows recovery of sensory fibers when combined with treating the proximal lesion.Trial registrationApproved by Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine- Cairo University on 01/09/2021 with code number: MD-215–2021.

Exploring Outcomes and Mediating Factors Following Supercharged End-to-Side Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Ulnar Nerve Transfer: A Scoping Review With Expert Insight

This scoping review with expert insight aims to map outcome measures following supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar nerve transfer procedures, integrating clinical, patient-reported, and electrodiagnostic measures. It also explores surgical rationale and recovery trajectories, aiming to standardize methodologies and enhance patient care in nerve transfer surgeries. Our search encompassed multiple online databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar, ensuring rigor and comprehensiveness in identifying relevant literature. Through scrutiny of 17 studies involving 300 patients from 300 articles, along with expert consultations on supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer for ulnar nerve entrapment, promising outcomes emerge, particularly in cubital tunnel syndrome. Primary measures such as Medical Research Council scale assessments and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores demonstrate notable postsurgery improvements, with minor complications noted. Factors influencing recovery include preoperative dysfunction duration and surgical technique. Surgery indications prioritize high ulnar nerve injuries and severe cubital tunnel syndrome. The review highlights the importance of standardized outcome measures, early intervention, and comprehensive rehabilitation for optimizing supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar nerve transfer outcomes. Therapeutic IIIa.

Evaluation of Early Results of Neurotization in High Ulnar Nerve Injury

Evaluation of Early Results of Neurotization in High Ulnar Nerve Injury

Nerve Magnified Regeneration by Distal Nerve Transfer in High Ulnar Nerve Injury

The concept of nerve-magnified regeneration, part of which is end-to-side nerve transfer, provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of high ulnar nerve injuries. High injury to the ulnar nerve causes severe consequences, such as loss of sensation, loss of movement and “claw hand” deformity, affecting the fine motor skills of the hand. A method of nerve-magnified regeneration – distal nerve transfer – interosseous anterior (median nerve) to the deep ulnar nerve at the wrist level is presented, used in 20 patients (2 to 66 years of age) with an average follow-up period of 3 years (10 months to 5 years). This is a microsurgical method for rapid re-innervation of the most distal hand muscles in proximal neurotmesis of ulnar nerve.

Supercharge end-to-side nerve transfer from anterior interosseous nerve to augment intrinsic recovery in high ulnar nerve injuries of varying magnitudes

High ulnar nerve injuries result in intrinsic muscle weakness and are inconvenient for patients. Moreover, conventional surgical techniques often fail to achieve satisfactory motor recovery. A potential reconstructive solution in the form of the supercharge end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) transfer method has emerged. Therefore, this study aims to compare surgical outcomes of patients with transected and in-continuity high ulnar nerve lesions following SETS AIN transfer. Between June 2015 and May 2023, patients with high ulnar palsy in the form of transection injuries or lesion-in-continuity were recruited. The assessment encompassed several objective results, including grip strength, key pinch strength, compound muscle action potential, sensory nerve action potential, and two-point discrimination tests. The muscle power of finger abduction and adduction was also recorded. Additionally, subjective questionnaires were utilized to collect data on patient-reported outcomes. Overall, the patients were followed up for up to 2 years. Patients with transected high ulnar nerve lesions exhibited worse baseline performance than those with lesion-in-continuity, including motor and sensory functions. However, they experienced greater motor improvement but less sensory recovery, resulting in comparable final motor outcomes in both groups. In contrast, the transection group showed worse sensory outcomes. Our findings suggest that SETS AIN transfer benefits patients with high ulnar nerve palsy, regardless of the lesion type. Nonetheless, improvements may be more pronounced in patients with transected lesions.

Reverse end-to-side technique (RETS) – supercharge and babysitting effect in median and ulnar nerve injuries. Case studies and surgical technique

High nerve damage at the shoulder or elbow is associated with a long regeneration period for effectorsmuscles located within the hand, leading to their irreversible atrophy and permanent dysfunction. Advanced microsurgical reconstructive techniques, such as end-to-side (ETS ) sutures, reverse end-to-side (RETS ) reconstruction (so-called supercharge/babysitting procedure), or nerve transfers within the hand, shorten the interval and thus the recovery time or provide continuous stimulation of the effector before the regeneration of the native axons of the nerve. The paper aims to present the authors’ results after treatment of a high injury of the ulnar and median nerves with additional RETS performed based on the results of three clinical cases. Two patients No 1 and 2 had a high ulnar nerve injury at the elbow level due to a distal humerus fracture. Nerve neurolysis was performed at the level of the primary lesion, followed by a reverse end-to-side transfer of the anterior interosseous nerve to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve. The patient No 3 with damage to the median nerve due to a fracture of the shaft of the radius. Neurolysis of the preserved part of the nerve, resection of the neuroma, and direct suture of the damaged part of the nerve were performed, as well as a simultaneous RETS transfer of the anterior interosseous nerve to the thenar motor branch of the median nerve. All presented patients had significant signs of improvement, with full to partial motor recovery of the nerves supported by supercharge/babysitting RETS technique. It is valuable, especially in borderline cases when the decision is between neurolysis/repair alone or nerve transfer is difficult to take and not clearly defined.

Anterior Interosseus to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfers: A Canadian Perspective.

The anterior interosseus nerve (AIN) to ulnar motor nerve transfer has been popularized as an adjunct to surgical decompression in patients with severe cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and high ulnar nerve injuries. The factors influencing its implementation in Canada have yet to be described. An electronic survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery (CSPS) using REDCap software. The survey examined 4 themes: previous training/experience, practice volume of nerve pathologies, experience with nerve transfers, and approach to the treatment of CuTS and high ulnar nerve injuries. A total of 49 responses were collected (12% response rate). Of all, 62% of surgeons would use an AIN to ulnar motor supercharge end-to-side (SETS) transfer for a high ulnar nerve injury. For patients with CuTS and signs of intrinsic atrophy, 75% of surgeons would add an AIN-SETS transfer to a cubital tunnel decompression. Sixty-five percent would also release Guyon's canal, and the majority (56%) use a perineurial window for their end-to-side repair. Eighteen percent of surgeons did not believe the transfer would improve outcomes, 3% cited lack of training, and 3% would preferentially use tendon transfers. Surgeons with hand fellowship training and those less than 30 years in practice were more likely to use nerve transfers in the treatment of CuTS (P < .05). Most CSPS members would use an AIN-SETS transfer in the treatment of both a high ulnar nerve injury and severe CuTS with intrinsic atrophy.

Surgery as an Effective Therapy for Ulnar Nerve Neuropathic Pain Caused by Gunshot Wounds: A Retrospective Case Series

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a major medical problem worldwide and are associated with multiple causes, including gunshot wounds (GSWs), which are the second most common cause of brachial plexus injuries in peacetime and the main, or only, cause reported in wartime studies. The ulnar nerve (UN) is one of the most affected nerves. Peripheral nerve trauma may cause intense neuropathic pain, which is very difficult to control. Particularly UN gunshot injuries may impact individual daily life, as injuries to this nerve result in both sensory and motor deficits within the hand. We evaluated the improvement of neuropathic pain after surgical treatment in a consecutive series of 20 patients with UN injury due to GSWs. This single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series included 20 patients with UN injuries due to GSWs, who presented with excruciating neuropathic pain and underwent surgical treatment between 2005 and2017. Of injuries, 13 occurred in the right upper limb (65%); 12 patients had a high UN injury (60%). Regarding associated injuries, 8 patients had bone injuries (40%), and 4 patients had arterial injuries (20%). A neuroma in continuity was detected in 8 cases (40%), and 4 patients (20%) had shrapnel lodged within the UN. All patients had severe neuropathic pain and functional deficit, with a mean visual analog scale score of 8.45 ± 1.4 and a mean reduction of 6.95 points 12 months after surgery; 10 patients (50%) had a British Medical Research Council score ≥M3. Surgery is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain from GSWs. Early isolated external neurolysis is associated with better pain management and functional outcomes postoperatively.

Outcomes after Anterior Interosseous Nerve to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer.

Background Ulnar nerve lesions proximal to the elbow can result in loss of intrinsic muscle function of the hand. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) transfer has been demonstrated to provide intrinsic muscle reinnervation, thereby preventing clawing and improving pinch and grip strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the AIN to DBUN transfer in restoring intrinsic muscle function for patients with traumatic ulnar nerve lesions. Methods We performed a prospective, multi-institutional study of outcomes following AIN to DBUN transfer for high ulnar nerve injuries. Twelve patients were identified, nine of which were enrolled in the study. The mean time from injury to surgery was 15 weeks. Results At final follow-up (mean postoperative follow-up 18 months + 15.5), clawing was observed in all nine patients with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension of the ring finger averaging 8.9 degrees (+ 10.8) and small finger averaging 14.6 degrees (+ 12.5). Grip strength of the affected hand was 27% of the unaffected extremity. Pinch strength of the affected hand was 29% of the unaffected extremity. None of our patients experienced claw prevention after either end-to-end ( n = 4) or end-to-side ( n = 5) AIN to DBUN transfer. Conclusion We conclude that, in traumatic high ulnar nerve injuries, the AIN to DBUN transfer does not provide adequate intrinsic muscle reinnervation to prevent clawing and normalize grip and pinch strength.

A new method to quantify innervation of the ulnar intrinsic hand muscles by the anterior interosseous nerve in Martin‐Gruber anastomosis and nerve transfer surgery

It is important to quantify the amount of crossover innervation from the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) through Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) particularly in patients with high ulnar nerve injury who undergo nerve transfer surgery. The objective of this study is to describe a novel electrophysiological method for quantifying innervation from the AIN that can be done using conventional nerve conduction study setup and commonly available software for analysis. Seven subjects with MGA and nine patients who had undergone AIN to ulnar nerve transfer underwent conventional motor nerve conduction studies. Recording was done over the hypothenar and first dorsal interosseous muscles while stimulating the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist and elbow. Datapoint-by-datapoint subtraction of the compound muscle action potentials evoked at the elbow and wrist was performed after they had been onset-aligned. The results were compared to the collision technique and innervation ratio method. Results from the digital subtraction method were highly correlated with the collision technique (r= 0.96, p< 0.05). In contrast, its correlation with the innervation ratio method is substantially lower. In comparison to previously described techniques, the digital subtraction method has a number of practical advantages. It uses conventional nerve conduction study setup, and the added step of digital alignment and subtraction can be done through commonly available software. With the increasing use of nerve transfer surgery in severe high ulnar nerve injury, this could be a useful method to identify the presence of MGA prior to surgery and for evaluating nerve recovery following surgery.

Functional outcomes of ulnar nerve neurotization by anterior interosseous nerve in high level injury

Background: The ulnar nerve injury induce sever hand malfunction due to intrinsic muscle paralysis. The ulnar nerve repair in proximal area (high ulnar nerve injury) seldom leads to intrinsic muscle function because of long distance of nerve return. Therefore, the best techniques to restore intrinsic hand function in patient with high ulnar nerve injury is distal nerve transfer to minimize the regeneration time and distance. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical results obtained with the transfer of the motor branch of the anterior interosseous nerve destined to the pronator quadrates muscle to the motor division of the ulnar nerve (the deep branch of ulnar nerve). Methods: It is a retrospective study of thirty elderly patients with high ulnar nerve injury underwent a transfer of distal branch of anterior interosseous nerve to deep branch of ulnar nerve, and end to end suture of the ulnar nerve at the site of injury in Sohag microsurgery unit. Results: The mean postoperative follow-up period was 22 months (range from 12 to 38 months). At the final follow-up, twenty-seven (90%) patients showed good results according to the Highet-Zachary scheme (M3 or M4, S3+, and negative Froment’s sign). The other three patient (10%) showed a poor result (M1, S2, positive Froment’s sign). Conclusion: This technique of transfer of distal branch of anterior interosseous nerve to deep motor branch of ulnar nerve and primary repair of ulnar nerve at site of injury is effective for motor and sensory recovery of distal ulnar innervated side of the hand.

End-to-Side Anterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer: A Valuable Alternative for Traumatic High Ulnar Nerve Palsy.

The prognosis of high ulnar nerve injury is poor despite nerve repair or grafting. Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) transfers provide a satisfactory recovery. However, the efficacy of end-to-side (ETS) AIN transfer and optimal timing in Sunderland grade IV/V of high ulnar nerve injury is lacking. The goals were to compare the outcomes of high ulnar nerve injury managed with ETS AIN transfers with those managed with conventional procedures (nerve repair or graft only) and identify differences between early and delayed transfers. Patients with isolated high ulnar nerve injury (Sunderland grade IV/V) from 2010 to 2017 were recruited. Patients with conventional treatments and AIN transfers were designated as the control and AIN groups, respectively. Early transfer was defined as the AIN transfer performed within 8 weeks postinjury. Outcomes were measured and analyzed by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) score, grip strength, and pinch strength. A total of 24 patients with high ulnar nerve injury (Sunderland grade IV/V) were included. There were 11 and 13 patients in the control and AIN groups, respectively. In univariate analysis, both early and delayed AIN transfers demonstrated significantly better motor recovery among BMRC score and strength of grip and pinch at 12 months (P < 0.05). No statistical significance was found between early and delayed transfer. In multivariate analysis, both early and delayed transfers were regarded as strong and independent factors for motor recovery of ulnar nerve. Compared with the control, early [odds ratio (OR), 1.83; P < 0.001] and delayed (OR, 1.59; P < 0.001) transfers showed significant improvement with regard to BMRC scores. The pinch strength in early (OR, 31.68; P < 0.001) and delayed (OR, 26.45; P < 0.001) transfers was also significantly better. The ETS AIN transfer, in either early or delayed fashion, significantly improved intrinsic motor recovery in high ulnar nerve injuries classified as Sunderland grade IV/V. The early transfer group demonstrated a trend toward better functional recovery with less downtime.

Anterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer in Ulnar Nerve Injury

Wounds to the ulnar nerve bring about both tactile and engine shortfalls inside the hand. This examination planned to assess practical result of move foremost interossous nerve to profound engine part of ulnar nerve injury. also, to contrast our outcome and different focuses result doing likewise tequnique or other tequniques. Ten patients, 7 guys and 3 females with a mean time of 28.5±6.86 with least 18 and most extreme 42 years of age were remembered for this investigation. The interim span before a medical procedure was 4.25±1.48 with least 2 months and most extreme a half year. All patients experienced proximal high ulnar nerve injury and were incorporated for distal neurotization. All patients had been submitted to 1ry fix of ulnar nerve at season of injury. there was huge connection between better engine result and more limited time span before a medical procedure. Likewise there was a critical connection between better engine result and consistence of the patients to physical thrapy. The useful misfortune was missing after denervation of pronator quadrates as the pronator teres can repay in all the examined patients. Hold and squeeze strength were improved in all patients to an agreeable level. From the hand specialist's perspective the outcomes are empowering in overseeing such cases with the nerve move method to reestablish capacity to natural muscles of hand.

Effectiveness of Distal Nerve Transfers for Claw Correction With Proximal Ulnar Nerve Lesions

To evaluate claw deformity correction following anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) end-to-end transfer to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve (DMBUN) in high ulnar nerve injuries. Eleven patients were retrospectively evaluated for metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension and proximal interphalangeal joint extension lag in the fourth and fifth digits following ulnar nerve injury adjacent or proximal to the elbow, who underwent AIN end-to-end transfer to the DMBUN. Patients underwent surgery an average of 5 months following injury (range, 2-9 months) and were followed for an average of 19 months after surgery (range, 12-30 months). At the last follow-up, clawing was observed in all patients, with proximal interphalangeal joint extension lag averaging 46.8° (SD, ±20°) in the fourth digit and 57.7° (SD, ±12°) in the little finger. None of our patients experienced claw correction after AIN end-to-end transfer to the DMBUN. Therapeutic IV.

Anterior Interosseous-to-Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfers: A Single Center's Experience in Restoring Intrinsic Hand Function.

Background: Transfer of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) into the ulnar motor branch improves intrinsic hand function in patients with high ulnar nerve injuries. We report our outcomes of this nerve transfer and hypothesize that any improvement in intrinsic hand function is beneficial to patients. Methods: A retrospective review of all AIN-to-ulnar motor nerve transfers, including both supercharged end-to-side (SETS) and end-to-end (ETE) transfers, from 2011 to 2018 performed by 2 surgeons was conducted. All adult patients who underwent this nerve transfer for any reason with greater than 6 months' follow-up and completed charts were included. Primary outcome measures were motor function using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grading system and subjective satisfaction with surgery using a visual analog scale. Secondary outcome measures included complications and donor site deficits. Results: Of the 57 patients who underwent nerve transfer, 32 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average follow-up and average time to surgery were 12 and 15.6 months, respectively. The overall average BMRC score was 2.9/5, with a trend toward better recovery in patients who received earlier surgery (<12 months = BMRC 3.7, ≥12 months = BMRC 2.2; P < .01). Patients with an SETS transfer had better results that those with an ETE transfer (SETS = 3.2, ETE = 2.6). There were no donor deficits after operation. One patient developed complex regional pain syndrome. Conclusions: Patients with earlier surgery and an in-continuity nerve (receiving an SETS transfer) showed improved recovery with a higher BMRC grade compared with those who underwent later surgery. Any improvements in intrinsic hand function would be beneficial to patients.

Repair Method for Complete High Ulnar Nerve Injury Based on Nerve Magnified Regeneration.

PurposeComplete high ulnar nerve injury can cause serious sequelae, including residual sensation and loss of movement and especially dysfunction of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. As a solution to treat complete high ulnar nerve injury, we proposed a new repair method for ulnar nerve injury based on nerve-magnified regeneration.MethodsTwenty-two patients with complete division of the ulnar nerve at a high level who were treated from May 2013 to December 2016 were divided into two groups. The proposed repair method for complete high ulnar nerve injury was performed in group I (11 patients), while the traditional repair method, ie, repair of the original injury site of the ulnar nerve, was used in group II (11 patients).ResultsThe results showed no significant difference in the mean sensory scores assigned by the Highet-Zachary scheme (the Highet Scale) between the two groups. The mean Highet Scale score of muscle strength for the first dorsal interosseus muscle was significantly better in group I than that in group II (p=0.010). In group I, 10 of 11 patients were graded as M4 or M5. Grip strength, pinch strength, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were significantly better in group I than those in group II (p<0.01).ConclusionTherefore, this method for complete high ulnar nerve injury based on nerve-magnified regeneration can shorten the path of motor nerve regeneration, effectively reduce atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, and provide better hand function.

Early neurotization of high ulnar nerve injury using anterior interosseous nerve for restoration of intrinsic muscles function

Abstract:Back ground: Nerve transfer surgery, also known as neurotization, developed in the mid- 1800s with the use of animal models, and was used in the treatment of brachial plexus injuries. Neurotization relies on the fact that high ulnar nerve lesions usually have a poor prognosis because of the long distance between the site of injury and the targeted intrinsic muscles of the hand. Expendable motor or sensory nerves can be re-directed in proximity of a specific target, whether a muscle or skin territory, in order to obtain faster re-innervation. Aim of the work: was to evaluate the outcome and functional results of early neurotization of high ulnar nerve injury. Methods: A total of 12 patients, 9 males and 3 females were included in this study and underwent neurotization of high ulnar nerve injury using anterior interosseous nerve transfer to deep motor branch of ulnar nerve at Plastic Surgery Unit, faculty of medicine, Zagazig university hospitals in the period from 12/2017 to 2/2019. Results: nerve transfer provides satisfactory regaining of function in small muscles of hand and prevent permanent handicapping of the affected hand. Conclusion: Neurotization of high ulnar nerve injuries is a simple procedure that provides a good option to restore the ulnar nerve functions in cases of high ulnar nerve lesions. The procedure is easy to perform, with minimal donor-site morbidity.Keywords: Nerve transfer, High ulnar nerve injury, anterior interosseous nerve.

Supercharge End-to-Side Nerve Transfer: Systematic Review.

Background: To decrease the time to reinnervation of the intrinsic motor end plates after high ulnar nerve injuries, a supercharged end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous to ulnar motor nerve transfer has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to compile and review the indications, outcomes, and complications of SETS anterior interosseous to ulnar motor nerve transfer. Methods: A literature search was performed, identifying 73 papers; 4 of which met inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 78 patients. Papers included were those that contained the results of SETS between the years 2000 and 2018. Data were pooled and analyzed focusing on the primary outcomes: intrinsic muscle recovery and complications. Results: Four studies with 78 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most patients (33.3%) underwent SETS for an ulnar nerve lesion in continuity, the average age was 46.5 years, and the average follow-up was 10 months. The average duration of symptoms before surgery was 99 weeks, all patients had weakness and numbness, nearly all (96%) had atrophy, and half (53%) had pain. Grip and key pinch strength improved 202% and 179%, respectively, from the preoperative assessment. The vast majority (91.9%) recovered intrinsic function at an average of 3.7 months. Other than 8% of patients who did not recover intrinsic strength, no other complications were reported in any of the 78 patients. Conclusions: The SETS is a successful procedure with low morbidity, which may restore intrinsic function in patients with proximal nerve injuries.

Nerve Transfer Versus Nerve Graft for Reconstruction of High Ulnar Nerve Injuries

To assess the efficacy of nerve transfer versus nerve grafting in restoring motor and sensory hand function in patients with complete, isolated high ulnar nerve injuries. A retrospective chart review was performed, at a minimum 2 years of follow-up, of 52 patients suffering complete, isolated high ulnar nerve injury between January 2006 and June 2013 in one specialized hand surgery unit. Twenty-four patients underwent motor and sensory nerve transfers (NT group). Twenty-eight patients underwent sural nerve grafting (NG group). Motor recovery, return of sensibility and complications were examined as outcome measures. The Medical Research Council scale was applied to evaluate sensory and motor recovery. Grip and pinch strengths of the hand were measured. Twenty of 24 patients (83.33%) in the NT group regained M3 grade or greater for the adductor pollicis, the abductor digiti minimi, and the medial 2 lumbricals and interossei, compared with only 16 of 28 patients (57.14%) in the NG group. Means for percentage recovery of grip strengths compared with the other healthy hand were significantly higher for the NT group than the NG group. Sensory recovery of S3 or greater was achieved in more than half of each group with no significant difference between groups. Nerve transfer is favored over nerve grafting in managing high ulnar nerve injuries because of better improvement of motor power and better restoration of grip functions of the hand. Therapeutic IV.

Lipofilling may induce nerve regeneration after previous traumatic injury: a clinical case with remarkable outcome

Despite the fast amount of techniques, which promote nerve regeneration, the outcomes of high ulnar nerve injuries are still poor. This case report illuminates the usability of lipofilling in peripheral nerve regeneration. In the case described, we encountered a successful regeneration with return of sensibility and motor function. We believe that the rationale for this technique is the presence of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). We speculate that this improvement depends on tissue regeneration induced by these ADSCs. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.