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Allgood JE, Bittner GD, Bushman JS. Repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries that ablate branch points. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2564-2568. [PMID: 37449590 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system has an extensive branching organization, and peripheral nerve injuries that ablate branch points present a complex challenge for clinical repair. Ablations of linear segments of the PNS have been extensively studied and routinely treated with autografts, acellular nerve allografts, conduits, wraps, and nerve transfers. In contrast, segmental-loss peripheral nerve injuries, in which one or more branch points are ablated so that there are three or more nerve endings, present additional complications that have not been rigorously studied or documented. This review discusses: (1) the branched anatomy of the peripheral nervous system, (2) case reports describing how peripheral nerve injuries with branched ablations have been surgically managed, (3) factors known to influence regeneration through branched nerve structures, (4) techniques and models of branched peripheral nerve injuries in animal models, and (5) conclusions regarding outcome measures and studies needed to improve understanding of regeneration through ablated branched structures of the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- JuliAnne E Allgood
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - George D Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jared S Bushman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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Sporer ME, Brugger PC, Aman M, Fuchssteiner CF, Festin C, Gstoettner C, Aszmann OC. Fascicular shifting in the reconstruction of brachial plexus injuries: an anatomical and clinical evaluation. J Neurosurg 2023; 139:544-553. [PMID: 36681968 DOI: 10.3171/2022.11.jns221312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Until recently, autologous sensory nerve grafting has remained the gold-standard technique in peripheral nerve reconstruction. However, there are several disadvantages to these grafts, such as donor site morbidity, limited availability, and a qualitative mismatch. Building on this shortage, a new concept, the fascicular shift procedure, was proposed and successfully demonstrated nerve regeneration in a rat nerve injury model. This approach involves harvesting a fascicular group distal to a peripheral nerve injury and shifting it to bridge the defect. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of this technique in brachial plexus reconstruction. METHODS The supra- and infraclavicular nerves of the brachial plexus were bilaterally explored in 18 formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens. Following dissection, their fascicular shifting potential was evaluated. The medial antebrachial cutaneous and sural nerves were investigated and used as references for the required cross-sectional area of potential nerve grafts. Furthermore, 29 brachial plexus injuries, which qualified for surgical repair, were subjected to retrospective analysis. The intraoperatively measured lengths of the harvested and ultimately transplanted nerve grafts served as a basis to assess graft requirements in brachial plexus lesions. RESULTS The transplanted nerve grafts measured a total length of 51.9 ± 28.1 cm in brachial plexus injuries. The individual inserted nerve grafts averaged 10.3 ± 5.1 cm. In the anatomical exploration, the ulnar and median nerves qualified for fascicular shifting. Their fascicular graft lengths measured 26.6 ± 2.5 cm and 24.8 ± 5.2 cm, respectively. The long thoracic, suprascapular, musculocutaneous, thoracodorsal, and axillary nerves were not suitable for fascicular shifting. The sensory graft length of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve measured 20.6 ± 3.4 cm. CONCLUSIONS In the surgical reconstruction of brachial plexus injuries, fascicular shifting of the ulnar and median nerves provides sufficient donor material. Even though potential donor length is limited in the radial nerve, it may still help to expand the surgical armamentarium in selected clinical scenarios. Overall, the fascicular shift procedure presents a novel alternative to allow modality-matched grafting in the reconstruction of large proximal nerve defects and was found to be an attractive option in brachial plexus reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias E Sporer
- 1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Peter C Brugger
- 2Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Aman
- 1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
- 3Department of Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany; and
| | - Christoph F Fuchssteiner
- 2Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Festin
- 1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Clemens Gstoettner
- 1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
- 4Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oskar C Aszmann
- 1Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna
- 4Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Zhu Y, Peng N, Wang J, Jin Z, Zhu L, Wang Y, Chen S, Hu Y, Zhang T, Song Q, Xie F, Yan L, Li Y, Xiao J, Li X, Jiang B, Peng J, Wang Y, Luo Y. Peripheral nerve defects repaired with autogenous vein grafts filled with platelet-rich plasma and active nerve microtissues and evaluated by novel multimodal ultrasound techniques. Biomater Res 2022; 26:24. [PMID: 35690849 PMCID: PMC9188244 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing biocompatible nerve conduits that accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration, lengthening and functional recovery remains a challenge. The combined application of nerve microtissues and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides abundant Schwann cells (SCs) and various natural growth factors and can compensate for the deficiency of SCs in the nerve bridge, as well as the limitations of applying a single type of growth factor. Multimodal ultrasound evaluation can provide additional information on the stiffness and microvascular flow perfusion of the tissue. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel tissue-engineered nerve graft composed of an autogenous vein, nerve microtissues and PRP in reconstructing a 12-mm tibial nerve defect and to explore the value of multimodal ultrasound techniques in evaluating the prognosis of nerve repair. METHODS In vitro, nerve microtissue activity was first investigated, and the effects on SC proliferation, migration, factor secretion, and axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were evaluated by coculture with nerve microtissues and PRP. In vivo, seventy-five rabbits were equally and randomly divided into Hollow, PRP, Micro-T (Microtissues), Micro-T + PRP and Autograft groups. By analysing the neurological function, electrophysiological recovery, and the comparative results of multimodal ultrasound and histological evaluation, we investigated the effect of these new nerve grafts in repairing tibial nerve defects. RESULTS Our results showed that the combined application of nerve microtissues and PRP could significantly promote the proliferation, secretion and migration of SCs and the regeneration of axons in the early stage. The Micro-T + PRP group and Autograft groups exhibited the best nerve repair 12 weeks postoperatively. In addition, the changes in target tissue stiffness and microvascular perfusion on multimodal ultrasound (shear wave elastography; contrast-enhanced ultrasonography; Angio PlaneWave UltrasenSitive, AngioPLUS) were significantly correlated with the histological results, such as collagen area percentage and VEGF expression, respectively. CONCLUSION Our novel tissue-engineered nerve graft shows excellent efficacy in repairing 12-mm defects of the tibial nerve in rabbits. Moreover, multimodal ultrasound may provide a clinical reference for prognosis by quantitatively evaluating the stiffness and microvescular flow of nerve grafts and targeted muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Zhu
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Lab of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Chronic Heart Failure Precision Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Peng
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, The Second Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhuang Jin
- General hospital of Northern Theater Command, Liaoning, China
| | - Lianhua Zhu
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Lab of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Chen
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, JiangXi PingXiang People's Hospital, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tieyuan Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Lab of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Song
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Peng
- Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Key Lab of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuexiang Wang
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Yukun Luo
- Departments of Ultrasound, The First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Wang J, Zhu YQ, Wang Y, Xu HG, Xu WJ, Wang YX, Cheng XQ, Quan Q, Hu YQ, Lu CF, Zhao YX, Jiang W, Liu C, Xiao L, Lu W, Zhu C, Wang AY. A novel tissue engineered nerve graft constructed with autologous vein and nerve microtissue repairs a long-segment sciatic nerve defect. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:143-149. [PMID: 32788469 PMCID: PMC7818853 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.286977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Veins are easy to obtain, have low immunogenicity, and induce a relatively weak inflammatory response. Therefore, veins have the potential to be used as conduits for nerve regeneration. However, because of the presence of venous valves and the great elasticity of the venous wall, the vein is not conducive to nerve regeneration. In this study, a novel tissue engineered nerve graft was constructed by combining normal dissected nerve microtissue with an autologous vein graft for repairing 10-mm peripheral nerve defects in rats. Compared with rats given the vein graft alone, rats given the tissue engineered nerve graft had an improved sciatic static index, and a higher amplitude and shorter latency of compound muscle action potentials. Furthermore, rats implanted with the microtissue graft had a higher density and thickness of myelinated nerve fibers and reduced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy compared with rats implanted with the vein alone. However, the tissue engineered nerve graft had a lower ability to repair the defect than autogenous nerve transplantation. In summary, although the tissue engineered nerve graft constructed with autologous vein and nerve microtissue is not as effective as autologous nerve transplantation for repairing long-segment sciatic nerve defects, it may nonetheless have therapeutic potential for the clinical repair of long sciatic nerve defects. This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital (approval No. 2016-x9-07) on September 7, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution (Wannan Medical College), Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing; Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing; The Neural Regeneration Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong-Guang Xu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution (Wannan Medical College), Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wen-Jing Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Xiang Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Cheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Quan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chang-Feng Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Xu Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital, Yan'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution (Wannan Medical College), Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Spine Research Center of Wannan Medical College, Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution (Wannan Medical College), Department of Spine Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Peoples' Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ai-Yuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma & War Injuries PLA, Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing; The Neural Regeneration Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Manthou ME, Gencheva D, Sinis N, Rink S, Papamitsou T, Abdulla D, Bendella H, Sarikcioglu L, Angelov DN. Facial Nerve Repair by Muscle-Vein Conduit in Rats: Functional Recovery and Muscle Reinnervation. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:351-361. [PMID: 32731808 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The facial nerve is the most frequently damaged nerve in head and neck traumata. Repair of interrupted nerves is generally reinforced by fine microsurgical techniques; nevertheless, regaining all functions is the exception rather than the rule. The so-called "postparalytic syndrome," which includes synkinesia and altered blink reflexes, follows nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to examine if nerve-gap repair using an autologous vein filled with skeletal muscle would improve axonal regeneration, reduce neuromuscular junction polyinnervation, and improve the recovery of whisking in rats with transected and sutured right buccal branches of the facial nerve. Vibrissal motor performance was studied with the use of a video motion analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize and analyze target muscle reinnervation. The results taken together indicate a positive effect of muscle-vein-combined conduit (MVCC) on the improvement of the whisking function after reparation of the facial nerve in rats. The findings support the recent suggestion that a venal graft with implantation of a trophic source, such as autologous denervated skeletal muscle, may promote the monoinnervation degree and ameliorate coordinated function of the corresponding muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Manthou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Anatomy I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dilyana Gencheva
- Department of Anatomy I, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nektarios Sinis
- Privatklinik für Plastische- und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Berlin Wilmersdorf, Germany
| | - Svenja Rink
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dental and Oral Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Theodora Papamitsou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Diana Abdulla
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Habib Bendella
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
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6
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Manoukian OS, Baker JT, Rudraiah S, Arul MR, Vella AT, Domb AJ, Kumbar SG. Functional polymeric nerve guidance conduits and drug delivery strategies for peripheral nerve repair and regeneration. J Control Release 2019; 317:78-95. [PMID: 31756394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries can be extremely debilitating, resulting in sensory and motor loss-of-function. Endogenous repair is limited to non-severe injuries in which transection of nerves necessitates surgical intervention. Traditional treatment approaches include the use of biological grafts and alternative engineering approaches have made progress. The current article serves as a comprehensive, in-depth perspective on peripheral nerve regeneration, particularly nerve guidance conduits and drug delivery strategies. A detailed background of peripheral nerve injury and repair pathology, and an in-depth look into augmented nerve regeneration, nerve guidance conduits, and drug delivery strategies provide a state-of-the-art perspective on the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohan S Manoukian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jiana T Baker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Swetha Rudraiah
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Michael R Arul
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Anthony T Vella
- Department of Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Abraham J Domb
- Institute of Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Sangamesh G Kumbar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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D’Arpa S, Zabbia G, Cannizzaro C, Salimbeni G, Plescia F, Mariolo AV, Cassata G, Cicero L, Puleio R, Martorana A, Moschella F, Cordova A. Seeding nerve sutures with minced nerve-graft (MINE-G): a simple method to improve nerve regeneration in rats. Acta Chir Belg 2018; 118:27-35. [PMID: 28738725 DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2017.1353237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the effect of seeding the distal nerve suture with nerve fragments in rats. METHODS On 20 rats, a 15 mm sciatic nerve defect was reconstructed with a nerve autograft. In the Study Group (10 rats), a minced 1 mm nerve segment was seeded around the nerve suture. In the Control Group (10 rats), a nerve graft alone was used. At 4 and 12 weeks, a walking track analysis with open field test (WTA), hystomorphometry (number of myelinated fibers (n), fiber density (FD) and fiber area (FA) and soleus and gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios (MWR) were evaluated. The Student t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS At 4 and 12 weeks the Study Group had a significantly higher n and FD (p = .043 and .033). The SMWR was significantly higher in the Study Group at 12 weeks (p = .0207). CONCLUSIONS Seeding the distal nerve suture with nerve fragments increases the number of myelinated fibers, the FD and the SMWR. The technique seems promising and deserves further investigation to clarify the mechanisms involved and its functional effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D’Arpa
- Plastische Heelkunde, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Zabbia
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care ‘GIUSEPPE D’ALESSANDRO’, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care ‘GIUSEPPE D’ALESSANDRO’, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Vincenzo Mariolo
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cassata
- Laboratory Animal House/Unit, Institute of Experimental Zooprophylactic of Sicily, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Cicero
- Laboratory Animal House/Unit, Institute of Experimental Zooprophylactic of Sicily, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Puleio
- Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry Laboratory, Institute Experimental Zooprophylactic of Sicily, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Martorana
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Moschella
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriana Cordova
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct neurorrhaphy, nerve grafting interposition and neurotization are the options for nerve repair in children, whereas few reports about using nerve conduits (tubulization) are referred to pediatrics in the literature. The authors present their experience about nerve repairing by means of nerve tubes during the developmental age when the harvesting of nerve grafts and also vein grafts of adequate caliber for bridging nerve defects is difficult. A critical review of their case series offers indications for using nerve conduits in pediatrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients were treated using the nerve tubulization; nine patients were affected by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) while six were suffering from peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). RESULTS In patients suffering from OBPP, we observed 1 good, 3 fair and 5 bad results. In the PNI group, we observed 4 patients who had good results while only 2 had a bad outcome. No fair results were observed. CONCLUSIONS In peripheral nerve repairing in children by using nerve conduits, the outcome has been widely effective even when dealing with mixed and motor nerve, thus nerve tubulization might be considered as an alternative to nerve grafting. Conversely, considering the uncertain result obtained in brachial plexus repairing, the conduits cannot be considered as a first choice of treatment in brachial plexus reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Sénès
- Department of Head and Neck, Microsurgery and Hand Surgery Unit, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Nunzio Catena
- Department of Head and Neck, Microsurgery and Hand Surgery Unit, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sénès
- Department of Head and Neck, Microsurgery and Hand Surgery Unit, Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
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Sahin C, Karagoz H, Kulahci Y, Sever C, Akakin D, Kolbasi B, Ulkur E, Peker F. Minced nerve tissue in vein grafts used as conduits in rat tibial nerves. Ann Plast Surg 2015; 73:540-6. [PMID: 24691343 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries are encountered frequently in clinical practice. In nerve repair, an end-to-end suture is the preferable choice of treatment. However, where primary closure is not possible, the defect is to be repaired with a nerve graft. METHODS A total of 21 female Wistar rats weighing 230 to 290 g were used in the study. They were classified into the following 3 groups: (I) nerve graft, (II) vein graft, and (III) minced nerve graft. In group I, after exposure of the tibial nerve, a 1-cm-long nerve gap was created on the tibial nerve, and the defect was repaired epineurally by using the autogenous nerve. In group II, the 1-cm tibial nerve defect was repaired by using an autogenous vein graft. In group III, a 1-cm nerve graft was divided to 3 equal parts, with one of the nerve parts being minced with microscissors and placed in the vein graft lumen. Thereafter, a 1-cm tibial nerve defect was repaired by the vein graft filled with minced nerve tissue. The tibial function indices (TFIs) were calculated for functional assessment using the Bain-Mackinnon-Hunter formula. Light and electron microscopic evaluations were performed for morphometric assessment. In addition, the myelinated fibers were counted in all groups. RESULTS The TFIs of group II were found to be the lowest among all the groups after the sixth week, whereas the TFI of group I was found to be better than the other groups after the sixth week. There was no difference in TFIs between group I and group III. On the basis of the number of myelinated fibers, there was no statistically significant difference between group I and group III, whereas the difference was significant (P<0.05) between groups I/III and group II. Presence of peripheral nerves in light microscopic evaluation revealed normal characteristics of myelinated fibers in all groups. The myelinated axon profile was near normal in the nerve graft group in electron microscopic evaluation. However, there were more degenerated axons with disturbed contours and vacuolizations in the vein graft group compared to the minced nerve graft group. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that using minced nerve tissue in vein grafts as a conduit increases the regeneration of nerves (almost like the nerve graft group) and it may not be caused by donor-site morbidity. It can be used in the repair of nerve defects instead of autogenous nerve grafts after further experimental evidence and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Sahin
- From the *Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul; †Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara; ‡Department of Histology and Embryology, Marmara University, Medical School; and §F&P Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Center, Istanbul, Turkey
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Geuna S, Tos P, Titolo P, Ciclamini D, Beningo T, Battiston B. Update on nerve repair by biological tubulization. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2014; 9:3. [PMID: 24606921 PMCID: PMC3953745 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7221-9-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many surgical techniques are available for bridging peripheral nerve defects. Autologous nerve grafts are the current gold standard for most clinical conditions. In selected cases, alternative types of conduits can be used. Although most efforts are today directed towards the development of artificial synthetic nerve guides, the use of non-nervous autologous tissue-based conduits (biological tubulization) can still be considered a valuable alternative to nerve autografts. In this paper we will overview the advancements in biological tubulization of nerve defects, with either mono-component or multiple-component autotransplants, with a special focus on the use of a vein segment filled with skeletal muscle fibers, a technique that has been widely investigated in our laboratory and that has already been successfully introduced in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Geuna
- Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin 10043, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10043, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Tos
- Department of Traumatology, Microsurgery Unit, CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Titolo
- UOC Traumatology–Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, CTO Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Davide Ciclamini
- Department of Traumatology, Microsurgery Unit, CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Teresa Beningo
- Department of Traumatology, Microsurgery Unit, CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Bruno Battiston
- Department of Traumatology, Microsurgery Unit, CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy
- UOC Traumatology–Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, CTO Hospital, Torino, Italy
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Papalia I, Raimondo S, Ronchi G, Magaudda L, Giacobini-Robecchi MG, Geuna S. Repairing nerve gaps by vein conduits filled with lipoaspirate-derived entire adipose tissue hinders nerve regeneration. Ann Anat 2012; 195:225-30. [PMID: 23287534 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In spite of great recent advancements, the definition of the optimal strategy for bridging a nerve defect, especially across long gaps, still remains an open issue since the amount of autologous nerve graft material is limited while the outcome after alternative tubulization techniques is often unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate a new tubulization technique based on the employment of vein conduits filled with whole subcutaneous adipose tissue obtained by lipoaspiration. In adult rats, a 1cm-long defect of the left median nerve was repaired by adipose tissue-vein-combined conduits and compared with fresh skeletal muscle tissue-vein-combined conduits and autologous nerve grafts made by the excised nerve segment rotated by 180°. Throughout the postoperative period, functional recovery was assessed using the grasping test. Regenerated nerve samples were withdrawn at postoperative month-6 and processed for light and electron microscopy and stereology of regenerated nerve fibers. Results showed that functional recovery was significantly slower in the adipose tissue-enriched group in comparison to both control groups. Light and electron microscopy showed that a large amount of adipose tissue was still present inside the vein conduits at postoperative month-6. Stereology showed that all quantitative morphological predictors analyzed performed significantly worse in the adipose tissue-enriched group in comparison to the two control groups. On the basis of this experimental study in the rat, the use of whole adipose tissue for tissue engineering of peripheral nerves should be discouraged. Pre-treatment of adipose tissue aimed at isolating stromal vascular fraction and/or adipose derived stem/precursor cells should be considered a fundamental requisite for nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Papalia
- Department of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Italy
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Gu X, Ding F, Yang Y, Liu J. Construction of tissue engineered nerve grafts and their application in peripheral nerve regeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 93:204-30. [PMID: 21130136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Surgical repair of severe peripheral nerve injuries represents not only a pressing medical need, but also a great clinical challenge. Autologous nerve grafting remains a golden standard for bridging an extended gap in transected nerves. The formidable limitations related to this approach, however, have evoked the development of tissue engineered nerve grafts as a promising alternative to autologous nerve grafts. A tissue engineered nerve graft is typically constructed through a combination of a neural scaffold and a variety of cellular and molecular components. The initial and basic structure of the neural scaffold that serves to provide mechanical guidance and optimal environment for nerve regeneration was a single hollow nerve guidance conduit. Later there have been several improvements to the basic structure, especially introduction of physical fillers into the lumen of a hollow nerve guidance conduit. Up to now, a diverse array of biomaterials, either of natural or of synthetic origin, together with well-defined fabrication techniques, has been employed to prepare neural scaffolds with different structures and properties. Meanwhile different types of support cells and/or growth factors have been incorporated into the neural scaffold, producing unique biochemical effects on nerve regeneration and function restoration. This review attempts to summarize different nerve grafts used for peripheral nerve repair, to highlight various basic components of tissue engineered nerve grafts in terms of their structures, features, and nerve regeneration-promoting actions, and finally to discuss current clinical applications and future perspectives of tissue engineered nerve grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, JS 226001, PR China.
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Galeano M, Manasseri B, Risitano G, Geuna S, Di Scipio F, La Rosa P, Delia G, D'Alcontres FS, Colonna MR. A free vein graft cap influences neuroma formation after nerve transection. Microsurgery 2009; 29:568-72. [PMID: 19693931 DOI: 10.1002/micr.20652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Galeano
- Department of Surgical Specialties, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Messina, Italy
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14
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Battiston B, Raimondo S, Tos P, Gaidano V, Audisio C, Scevola A, Perroteau I, Geuna S. Chapter 11 Tissue Engineering of Peripheral Nerves. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2009; 87:227-49. [DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(09)87011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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15
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