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Mu L, Chen J, Sobotka S, Li J, Nyirenda T. Focal Application of Neurotrophic Factors Augments Outcomes of Nerve-Muscle-Endplate Grafting Technique for Limb Muscle Reinnervation. J Reconstr Microsurg 2023; 39:695-704. [PMID: 36948213 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have developed a novel muscle reinnervation technique called "nerve-muscle-endplate grafting (NMEG) in the native motor zone (NMZ)." This study aimed to augment the outcomes of the NMEG-NMZ (NN) by focal application of exogenous neurotrophic factors (ENFs) for limb reinnervation. METHODS Adult rats were used to conduct NN plus ENF (NN/ENF) and autologous nerve grafting (ANG, technique control). The nerve innervating the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle was resected and the denervated TA was immediately treated with NN/ENF or ANG. For NN procedure, an NMEG pedicle was taken from the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and transferred to the NMZ of the denervated TA. For ANG, the nerve gap was bridged with sural nerve. Three months after treatment, the extent of functional and neuromuscular recovery was assessed by measuring static toe spread, maximal muscle force, wet muscle weight, regenerated axons, and innervated motor endplates (MEPs). RESULTS NN/ENF resulted in 90% muscle force recovery of the treated TA, which is far superior to ANG (46%) and NN alone (79%) as reported elsewhere. Toe spread recovered up to 89 and 49% of the control for the NN/ENF and ANG groups, respectively. The average wet muscle weight was 87 and 52% of the control for muscles treated with NN/ENF and ANG, respectively. The mean number of the regenerated axons was 88% of the control for the muscles treated with NN/ENF, which was significantly larger than that for the ANG-repaired muscles (39%). The average percentage of the innervated MEPs in the NN/ENF-treated TA (89%) was higher compared with that in the ANG-repaired TA (48%). CONCLUSION ENF enhances nerve regeneration and MEP reinnervation that further augment outcomes of NN. The NN technique could be an alternative option to treat denervated or paralyzed limb muscles caused by traumatic nerve injuries or lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liancai Mu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Jingming Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Stanislaw Sobotka
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Themba Nyirenda
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
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Epineural Neurorrhaphy of a Large Nerve Defect Due to IatroGenic Sciatic Nerve Injury in a Maltese Dog. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070361. [PMID: 35878378 PMCID: PMC9324001 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sciatic nerve injury could occur due to mistake of surgery and called as ‘iatrogenic injury’. This type of injury is rare in dogs. Historically, this injury is treated through physiotherapy. However, if the nerve is completely transected, surgery such as nerve repair could be addressed. Unfortunately, if there is a large gap between transected sciatic nerve, it is very difficult to treat. Sometimes amputation is recommended because of permanent problem with dog’s hind leg. By the way, it is not known how long the gap can be treated in dogs before the important decision of whether to amputate the leg or not. Therefore, we would like to described a good result of treating an iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury with a large defect measuring 20 mm in length in a small Maltese dog. The dog suffered nerve injury after hip joint surgery and could not be walking himself for 2 months. So, we decided to treat him by nerve repair despite of large gap. Sensation and walking function of his hind leg was recovered almost completely after 2.5 years. Although sciatic nerve injury with large gap is a concern, it could be treated through surgery, even in small Maltese. Abstract Epineural neurorrhaphy is a standard nerve repair method, but it is rarely reported in veterinary literature. Epineural neurorrhaphy in canine sciatic nerve injury are described in this report. An 11-month-old, castrated male Maltese dog, presented with an one-month history of non-weight bearing lameness and knuckling of the right pelvic limb. The dog showed absence of superficial and deep pain perception on the dorsal and lateral surfaces below the stifle joint. The dog had undergone femoral head and neck osteotomy in the right pelvic limb one month prior to referral at a local hospital. Based on physical and neurological examinations, peripheral nerve injury of the right pelvic limb was suspected. Radiography showed irregular bony proliferation around the excised femoral neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed sciatic nerve injury with inconspicuous continuity at the greater trochanter level. A sciatic nerve neurotmesis was suspected and surgical repair was decided. During surgery, non-viable tissue of the sciatic nerve was debrided, and epineural neurorrhaphy was performed to bridge a large, 20-mm defect. The superficial and deep pain perception was progressively improved and restored at 3 weeks postoperatively, and the dog exhibited a gradual improvement in motor function. At 10 weeks postoperatively, the dog showed no neurological deficit including knuckling but the tarsal joint hyperextension did not improve due to ankylosis. The dog had undergone tarsal arthrodesis and exhibited almost normal limb function without any neurologic sequela until the last follow-up at 2.5 years postoperatively.
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Gordon T, Fu SY. Peripheral nerves preferentially regenerate in intramuscular endoneurial tubes to reinnervate denervated skeletal muscles. Exp Neurol 2021; 341:113717. [PMID: 33839142 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells are essential for peripheral nerve regeneration but, over short distances in acellular nerve grafts, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules can support growth. The ECM molecules are present also on denervated muscle surfaces where they can support nerve growth. In this study, we addressed the efficacy of the ECM molecules of denervated muscle to support nerve fiber regeneration and muscle reinnervation. In the hindlimb of Sprague-Dawley rats, the proximal stump of the transected posterior tibial nerve, was cross-sutured to the distal nerve stump (NN) of each of three denervated muscles, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and soleus, or implanted onto the denervated muscles' surfaces (N-M), proximal or distal to the endplate zone. Recordings of muscle and motor unit (MU) isometric forces and silver/cholinesterase histochemical staining of longitudinal muscle cryosections were used to determine the numbers of reinnervated MUs and the spatial course of regenerating nerve fibers, respectively. MU numbers declined significantly after N-M (>50%) as compared to those after NN. Muscle forces were reduced despite each nerve reinnervating up to three times the normal MU muscle fiber number. Regenerating nerves 'streamed' from the N-M site either proximal or distal to endplate zones toward the denervated intramuscular endoneurial tubes, with reduced numbers reinnervating endplates. We conclude that there is preferential reinnervation through the endoneurial tube and that it is important to drive implanted nerve fibers to enter endoneurial tubes for optimal muscle reinnervation. Schwann cells play the essential role in guiding regenerating nerve fibers to reinnervate denervated muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Gordon
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada.
| | - Susan Y Fu
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada
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Tashiro K, Arikawa M, Fukunaga Y, Nakatani F, Kobayashi E, Kawai A, Miyamoto S. Free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for external hemipelvectomy reconstruction. Microsurgery 2018; 39:138-143. [PMID: 30191595 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION External hemipelvectomy is one of the most extensive surgical procedures for locally advanced pelvic tumors. Stump coverage with the local tissues can be difficult in recurrent cases. Herein, we report our experience with immediate stump coverage using a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap after external hemipelvectomy for recurrent pelvic malignancies. METHODS Six patients underwent external hemipelvectomy and immediate reconstruction using a free LDMC flap between November 2012 and June 2017. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range: 63-69 years). The primary tumors were myxoid liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and pleomorphic liposarcoma. A free LDMC flap was harvested from the ipsilateral back and transferred to the defect. When an intercostal nerve was found at the recipient site, the thoracodorsal nerve was coaptated with the intercostal nerve to reinnervate the muscle. RESULTS The mean flap size was 23 × 10 cm and the range was 20 × 8-27 × 13.5 cm. The contralateral deep inferior epigastric vessels were used as recipient vessels in all patients. Thoracodorsal-intercostal nerve coaptation was performed in 2 patients. The flap survived in all patients. Three patients had complications of abscess formation. No patient developed postoperative hernia. CONCLUSION Although it is challenging to do reconstruction after external hemipelvectomy, a free LDMC flap has several advantages, including a large coverage area, stability of circulation, ease of elevation, and preservation of the strength of the remaining abdominal wall. Technical tips for selecting anastomosis vessels are important and nerve coaptation could be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Tashiro
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Arikawa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Fukunaga
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Nakatani
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Kobayashi
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawai
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shimpei Miyamoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Mu L, Sobotka S, Chen J, Nyirenda T. Nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor promote reinnervation by nerve-muscle-endplate grafting. Muscle Nerve 2017. [PMID: 28632904 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study was designed to test whether exogenous application of nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) to muscles reinnervated with nerve-muscle-endplate band grafting (NMEG) could promote specific outcomes. METHODS The right sternomastoid muscle in adult rats was experimentally denervated and immediately reinnervated by implanting an NMEG pedicle from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle. A fibrin sealant containing NGF and FGF-2 was focally applied to the implantation site. Maximal tetanic force, muscle weight, regenerated axons, and motor endplates were analyzed 3 months after treatment. RESULTS Mean tetanic force, wet muscle weight, and number of regenerated axons in the treated muscles were 91%, 92%, and 84% of the contralateral controls, respectively. The majority of endplates (86%) in the treated muscles were reinnervated by regenerated axons. DISCUSSION Focal administration of NGF and FGF-2 promotes efficacy of the NMEG technique. Muscle Nerve 57: 449-459, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liancai Mu
- Department of Biomedical Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, 40 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, USA
| | - Stanislaw Sobotka
- Department of Biomedical Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, 40 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jingming Chen
- Department of Biomedical Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, 40 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, USA
| | - Themba Nyirenda
- Department of Biomedical Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, 40 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, USA
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Mu L, Sobotka S, Chen J, Nyirenda T. Reinnervation of denervated muscle by implantation of nerve-muscle-endplate band graft to the native motor zone of the target muscle. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00668. [PMID: 28638701 PMCID: PMC5474699 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Motor endplate reinnervation is critical for restoring motor function of the denervated muscle. We developed a novel surgical technique called nerve-muscle-endplate band grafting (NMEG) for muscle reinnervation. METHODS Experimentally denervated sternomastoid muscle in the rat was reinnervated by transferring a NMEG from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle to the native motor zone (NMZ) of the target muscle. A NMEG pedicle contained a block of muscle (~ 6 × 6 × 3 mm), a nerve branch with axon terminals, and a motor endplate band with numerous neuromuscular junctions. At 3 months after surgery, maximal tetanic muscle force measurement, muscle mass and myofiber morphology, motoneurons, regenerated axons, and axon-endplate connections of the muscles were analyzed. RESULTS The mean force of the reinnervated muscles was 82% of the contralateral controls. The average weight of the treated muscles was 89% of the controls. The reinnervated muscles exhibited extensive axonal regeneration. Specifically, the mean count of the regenerated axons in the reinnervated muscles reached up to 76.8% of the controls. The majority (80%) of the denervated endplates in the target muscle regained motor innervation. CONCLUSIONS The NMZ of the denervated muscle is an ideal site for NMEG implantation and for the development of new microsurgical and therapeutic strategies to achieve sufficient axonal regeneration, rapid endplate reinnervation, and optimal functional recovery. NMEG-NMZ technique may become a useful tool in the treatment of muscle paralysis caused by peripheral nerve injuries in certain clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liancai Mu
- Department of Research Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack NJ USA
| | - Stanislaw Sobotka
- Department of Research Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack NJ USA.,Department of Neurosurgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY USA
| | - Jingming Chen
- Department of Research Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack NJ USA
| | - Themba Nyirenda
- Department of Research Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack NJ USA
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Sobotka S, Mu L. Muscle reinnervation with nerve-muscle-endplate band grafting technique: correlation between force recovery and axonal regeneration. J Surg Res 2015; 195:144-51. [PMID: 25661741 PMCID: PMC4385406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to determine the correlation between functional recovery and the extent of axonal regeneration after muscle reinnervation with our recently developed nerve-muscle-endplate band grafting (NMEG) technique in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The right experimentally paralyzed sternomastoid (SM) muscle by nerve transection was immediately reinnervated with an NMEG pedicle harvested from a neighboring sternohyoid muscle. The NMEG pedicle contained a muscle block (6 × 6 × 3 mm), a donor nerve branch with nerve terminals, and a motor endplate band. Three months after surgery, the tetanic force of the SM muscle was measured and the regenerated axons in the muscle were detected using neurofilament immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The results showed that the maximal tetanic force (a measure of muscle functional recovery) of the NMEG-reinnervated SM muscle reached up to 66.0% of the normal control. The wet weight of the reinnervated SM muscle (a measure of muscle mass recovery) was 87.2% of the control. The area fraction of the regenerating axons visualized with neurofilament staining within the NMEG-reinnervated SM muscle (a measure of muscle reinnervation) was 42.3%. A positive correlation was revealed between the extent of muscle reinnervation and maximal muscle force. CONCLUSIONS Our newly developed NMEG technique results in satisfactory functional outcomes and nerve regeneration. Further improvement in the functional recovery after NMEG reinnervation could be achieved by refining the surgical procedure and creating an ideal environment that favors axon-endplate connections and accelerates axonal growth and sprouting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Sobotka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
| | - Liancai Mu
- Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Department of Research, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
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