Safe level for harvesting for ulnar and median nerve transfers: a microanatomical and histological study

In selective ulnar and median nerve transfers, donor nerve fascicles should be harvested in an area where motor and sensory fascicles are intermingled to minimize motor or sensory deficits. We aimed to define such an area for ulnar and median nerve harvesting through microanatomical dissection and histology in 12 fresh adult cadaveric upper extremities. Anatomically, we studied the arrangement, localization, and histological features of fascicle groups in two nerves at eight segments of the upper arms. Histological sections were examined to confirm the findings of the anatomical dissections. We found that sensory and motor fascicles were mixed proximally to the third most distal segment of the ulnar nerve and to the fourth most distal segment of the median nerve. We conclude that harvesting a part of the ulnar or median nerve proximal to these levels minimizes donor nerve deficits.

Endoscopic Sural Nerve Removal in Obstetric Brachial Plexopathy Using Basic Endoscopy Instruments: Technical Note

Introduction The sural nerve (SN) is commonly used for grafting following resection of a neuroma-in-continuity in neonatal brachial plexus lesions (NBPL). The main drawbacks of the current open techniques are large scars and contractures in the late postoperative stage, which may, in severe cases, cause equinovarus contractures. Objective To describe the feasibility and the technical aspects of endoscopic SN harvesting with the use of basic endoscopy instruments and small incisions. Methods Prospective observational study of NBPL subjected to endoscopic nerve harvesting between February of 2012 and February of 2014 in a consecutive series. Patients were operated at the Felício Rocho Hospital (Hospital Felício Rocho) and the Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Hospital das Clínicas UFMG), Belo Horizonte/MG, in Brazil. The study outcomes assessed were: scar size, presence or absence of contractures in the calf, bleeding volume (measured by the number of gauzes used) and number of incisions. Only patients with a follow-up longer than 6 months were included. Results Seven patients were selected and twelve endoscopic nerves were endoscopically harvested. The average surgery time was 45 minutes. Nine SNs were harvested through two incisions, and three nerves through three incisions. The estimated bleeding was less than 5ml and there were no complications or contractures during the follow-up period of 6 months to 4 years. Conclusion Sural nerve harvesting in children with NBPL is feasible and it offers the advantage of needing only two or three small incisions using basic endoscopy instruments.

EVALUATION OF THE PROPRIOCEPTIVE INFLUENCE OF THE CUTANEOUS AFFERENTS TO THE ANKLE IN PATIENTS AFTER SURAL NERVE HARVESTING

OBJECTIVE Cutaneous afferent nerves contribute to joint proprioception. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the proprioceptive influence of the cutaneous afferents to the ankle in patients after sural nerve harvesting in comparison to controls. METHODS The proprioception of the ankle in 24 patients after sural nerve harvesting was investigated. The sural nerve was harvested bilaterally in Group 1 (n = 10), in the right leg in Group 2 (n = 6), and in the left leg in Group 3 (n = 8). The proprioception of the ankle was also tested in controls (Group 4, n = 24). The peroneal reaction time (PRT) was measured on a tilting platform. The position sense test was performed. Balance control was investigated with the Biodex Stability System (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY) at the stable Level 8 and unstable Level 2. RESULTS No significant differences among the groups were seen in the position sense test, the PRT, and all scores of the Biodex Stability System. The PRT showed significant differences in comparison to the contralateral leg for the peroneus brevis muscle in Group 1 (P = 0.005) and Group 4 (P = 0.001) as well as for the peroneus longus muscle in Group 3 (P = 0.036) and Group 4 (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The proprioception of the ankle in patients after sural nerve harvesting is not reduced in comparison to controls. Significant differences of the PRT between the left and right legs are attributable to leg dominance in most cases and not to a loss of innervation. Harvesting of the sural nerve does not result in ankle instability.