Comparison of assessment tools to score recovery of function after repair of traumatic lesions of the median nerve.

In this paper the recovery after repair of the median nerve has been used to compare different assessment tools for evaluation of peripheral nerve function: touch (moving 2-point discrimination (2PD); Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament, motor (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale), combined motor and sensory (Dellon modification of the Moberg pick up test; Moberg Recognition test), and pain (visual analogue scale; pinprick-test). The mean (SD) age of our 28 patients was 28 (12) years. The mean (SD) follow-up period was 5 years, 2 months (2 years, 8 months). On the operated side three patients (11%) had a moving 2PD of less than 4 mm. The results of the moving 2PD were compared with those of the SW monofilaments, but with a poor correlation. The MRC score correlated well with opposition movement of the thumb and muscle wasting (p<0.01). We recommend a number of tests to evaluate (the chronological return of) peripheral nerve function.     

End-to-side repair of thenar motor branch of median nerve to the ulnar nerve after excision of the median nerve neurofibroma

A 13-year-old male patient suffering for the past 5 years with a gradually swelling and occasionally painful volar side of right forearm, presented to our clinic without any trauma. An end-to-side nerve repair performed between the ulnar nerve and thenar motor branch, and second common digital nerve to the digital nerve of the first finger for mend the sensorial, digital, and motor impairments related to the median nerve associated plexiform neurofibroma that occured after the excision of the tumor.     

正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术重建屈肘功能

目的 观察正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术的临床疗效及手术前后供体神经功能的变化,分析影响手术疗效的因素。方法 应用正中神经、尺神经部分束支移接给肱二头肌肌支治疗臂丛神经上千型根性撕脱伤,重建屈肘功能。对施行手术的36例患者进行6个月至5年多的随访,根据肱二头肌肌力和肘关节主动活动范围,将患者术后恢复情况分为三级：优：肱二头肌肌力达4级以上,肘关节屈曲达90度以上;可：肱二头肌肌力达3级,肘关节屈曲达60～90度;差：肱二头肌肌力2级以下,肘关节屈曲60度以下。分析影响疗效的几种因素。结果 手术疗效显著,有效率(肱二头肌肌力3级以上)达94．4％,优良率(肱二头肌肌力4级以上)达63．9％。手术前后供体神经功能没有明显变化。影响手术疗效的主要因素有：损伤类型、损伤原因、手术距损伤的间隔时间、患者年龄、供体神经的选择及术后功能锻炼。准确判断患者的损伤类型,严格掌握手术适应证是手术成功的关键。结论 正中神经、尺神经部分束支移位术是治疗臂丛神经上千型根性撕脱伤的一种安全、可靠、有效的手术方法。     

Midlatency median nerve evoked responses during recovery from propofol/sufentanil total intravenous anaesthesia

BACKGROUND: Median nerve somatosensory evoked responses (MnSSER) are frequently used to monitor the integrity of the somatosensory pathway during surgery. We investigated MnSSER components during the wakeup phase from anaesthesia with propofol/sufentanil, because detailed information is lacking about the reversibility of anaesthetic induced changes of MnSSER. The aim of the study was to document precisely the MnSSER waves in relation to the clinical awakening. The hypothesis was that anaesthetic induced MnSSER changes are reversed when the patient becomes responsive after anaesthesia. METHODS: In 20 gynaecological patients anaesthesia was maintained with propofol 8 mg kg(-1) h(-1) supplemented by bolus injections of sufentanil. MnSSER were recorded at C4' (N20, P25, N35, P45, N50) following electrical median nerve stimulation on the day before surgery, after the end of surgery during anaesthesia and every 5 min during recovery, till the patients were responsive again and able to identify a shown object. RESULTS: While the primary cortical MnSSER complex N20P25 regained baseline values, the cortical latencies > or =35 ms remained prolonged (P<0.001) and the amplitudes P45N50 were suppressed (P< or =0.013), when the patients were responsive after 26+/-7 min following anaesthesia. However, the amplitudes P25N35 exceeded their corresponding baseline value (P<0.01) CONCLUSION: Persistent changes of MnSSER waves > or =35 ms reflect impaired signal processing along the somatosensory pathway following propofol/sufentanil anaesthesia when the patients are responsive again. Further studies combining MnSSER recording with distinct neuro-psychological tests are needed to define the clinical relevance of these findings.     

Long-term results of transplantations to repair median, ulnar, and radial nerve lesions by a microsurgical interfascicular autogenous cable graft technique

A comprehensive analysis of 187 patients (78 median, 86 ulnar, and 23 radial nerve lesions) treated by an interfascicular autogenous nerve grafting technique is presented. After a follow-up of at least 18 months good motor recovery was achieved in 72% of median nerve lesions, 77% of ulnar nerve lesions, and 57% of radial nerve lesions. Good functional sensory recovery was found in 36% of median, 45% of ulnar, and 48% of radial nerve lesions. It appears by multivariate analysis that the results obtained generally were better in younger patients, in patients with a shorter preoperative delay, and in cases with a shorter transplant.     

Ulnar to median nerve anastomosis in the palm (Riches-Cannieu anastomosis)

This report describes an unusual case of pure bilateral ulnar innervation of the thenar and hypothenar muscles of the hands. The patient was a healthy 36-year-old woman who presented with neck pain. Examination and routine laboratory investigation findings were normal, but on electroneuromyography ulnar to median nerve anastomosis of the motor fibers in the palm was detected bilaterally. However, there was no anastomosis between the sensory fibers. On investigation of focal neuropathy the anomaly known as Riches-Cannieu anastomosis may surprise the electroneuromyographer and change the clinical signs and symptoms. It should be suspected when the hand muscles are clinically intact in the presence of a severe median nerve lesion in the forearm. In this case, a complete lesion of the median nerve at the forearm might erroneously be interpreted as a partial lesion of the median nerve. In every surgical intervention to the hand, this anomaly should be kept in mind and should be investigated electrophysiologically. Received: 25 June 1998 / Accepted: 19 August 1998     

大鼠正中神经修复后不同时段的电生理变化与神经再生的相关性分析

目的 探讨大鼠正中神经切断缝合后的不同时段,其复合神经动作电位(CNAP)与形态学方面的特点及其相关性分析.方法 在大鼠上臂正中神经中段切断缝合后的不同时间点(2、3、4、6、8和12周)进行CNAP检测,随后取正中神经组织进行形态学检查.结果 术后第2周可以记录到CNAP.术后再生神经记录的CNAP幅度比对照组显著减低(P<0.01),波幅下面积(Area)也显著低于对照组(P<0.01),传导速度(CV)显著慢于对照组(P<0.01).术后2～6周的潜伏期(Lat)均比对照组明显延长(P<0.05);术后2～8周刺激强度,即阈强度(THI)和超大刺激强度(SSI)显著低于对照组.CNAP的第一峰波幅(FPA)、峰-峰波幅(PPA)、Area、CV变化趋势为随时间增加而逐渐增高,而其参数Lat、THI、SSI随时间增加而逐渐降低.神经修复后2周缝合口远端已有少量的新生轴突,随着再生时间延长,越来越多的再生轴突延伸至远端.远端记录的CNAP波幅与其有髓神经纤维计数之间有强的正相关(相关系数为0.953).线性回归分析表明,存在线性关系.术后8周髓鞘趋向于成熟.结论 CNAP是早期诊断和评价损伤神经再生程度的良好指标.正常正中神经的CNAP波幅可能与有髓神经纤维的计数呈线性关系.术后第8周,CNAP参数趋向于稳定,神经髓鞘渐趋向于成熟.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the characteristics of compound nerve action potential (CNAP) after rat median nerve transection and repair,and their correlation with neuromorphometry at various time points. Methods The median nerve was transected and sutured at mid-arm level. At various time points from 2 to 12 weeks postoperatively,CNAP recording was performed and the median nerve was harvested for morphological examination. Results CNAP could be recorded at 2 weeks after nerve repair. The CNAP amplitude,the area below the curve (Area) and conduction velocity (CV) of regenerated nerve were significantly lower than those of control group (P＜0.01). From 2 weeks to 6 weeks postoperatively,CNAP latency (Lat) was obviously longer than normal (P＜0.05). From 2 weeks to 8 weeks postoperatively,CNAP stimulus intensity (threshold intensity and the supramaximal stimulation intensity,THI and SSI) was significantly lower than that of the control group (P＜0.01). First peak amplitude (FPA),peak-peak amplitude (PPA),Area and CV of CNAP increased with time,while parameters such as Lat,THI and SSI decreased over time in regenerated median nerve. Regenerated axons could be seen at 2 weeks after nerve transection and repair. More and more regenerated axons were seen with the lapse of time. There was a strong positive correlation between CNAP amplitude and the number of myelinated nerve fibers,with a 0.953 correlation coefficient. Linear regression analysis revealed the existence of a linear relationship. The maturity of regenerated nerve at 8 weeks reflected by myelin sheath thickness was close to that of a normal median nerve. Conclusion CNAP recording is a valuable tool to evaluate the extent of early nerve regeneration after nerve suture repair. There might exist a linear relationship between CNAP amplitude of normal median nerve and the number of myelinated nerve fibers. CNAP parameters are inclined to stabilize and nerve myelin sheath maturation is close to normal 8 weeks postoperatively.     

Bifid median nerve: Report of two cases

Summary The median nerve divides into its terminal branches at or proximal to the distal edge of the flexor retinaculum. An anatomy of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel is reported in two separate cases. Emphasis has been given to the value of direct vision when incising the flexor retinaculum in order to avoid injure of the median nerve.     

正中神经与肌皮神经的交通支及其临床意义

目的观察正中神经与肌皮神经之间的交通支，探讨其临床意义。方法对72侧防腐固定尸体解剖，对正中神经、肌皮神经之间的交通支进行测量与观察，并对不同类型交通支的结果进行比较。结果13人，16侧肢体存在18支交通支，出现率22．2％，男性与女性相比出现率高且差异显著，左右肢体的出现率无显著差异。其中肌皮神经从正中神经低位发出的有2支，正中神经-肌皮神经的交通支（Ⅰ型）与肌皮神经-正中神经的交通支（Ⅱ型）相比起、止点低，交通支较长，但直径细（Ⅰ型14．2～23．0cm，止点为11．0～21．5cm，长度为2．5～10．7cm，直径为0．55～2．15mm；Ⅱ型起点为0～17．ocm，止点为12．0～24．0cm，长度为1．9～8．4cm，直径为0．76～2．60mm）但两者差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论正中神经与肌皮神经之间存在着交通支，并起着一定的功能，手术时应注意加以保护，避免损伤。     

Functional nerve recovery after bridging a 15 mm gap in rat sciatic nerve with a biodegradable nerve guide

Recovery of nerve function was evaluated after bridging a 15?mm sciatic nerve gap in 51 rats with a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) nerve guide. Recovery of function was investigated by analysing the footprints, by analysing video recordings of gait, by electrically eliciting the withdrawal reflex, by nerve conduction velocity and by electromyography (EMG). Sensory nerve function recovered as measured by electrostimulation. Motor nerve function partly recovered but electromyograms remained abnormal throughout the study. We conclude that functional reinnervation by regenerating axons occurs after bridging a 15?mm nerve gap with a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) nerve guide, but the walking patterns remain abnormal. Video analysis is a useful tool to record and analyse the walking patterns of rats. Further studies are necessary to investigate the possibility of obtaining selective reinnervation of specific muscles.     

Plexiform neurofibroma of the median nerve

Summary A case of plexiform neurofibroma of the median nerve is presented. This hamartomatous condition presented as a growth in the palm and in the distal third of the forearm, with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment consisted of division of the volar carpal ligament for relief of pain and a neurolysis of the median nerve with partial resection of the tumour mass.     

Type 4 median nerve entrapment in a child after elbow dislocation

Case studied Median nerve entrapment is a rare, serious complication of elbow dislocation. We report a Type 4 median nerve entrapment after elbow dislocation in a 10-year-old boy. Radiologically Matev's sign and a new radiological finding—a sclerotic tunnel at the lateral side of the olecranon—were seen.Treatment The patient was treated by excising the damaged segment and reanastomosing the nerve 13 months after the injury.     

Neurilemmoma of median nerve

Neurilemmomas constitute one of the most common tumors of peripheral nerves. Rarer amongst them is their occurrence in median nerve in the region of arm. A sixteen-year-old female presented with painless mass in right arm which was non-tender on palpation with positive Tinel''s sign and no motor or sensory deficit in the affected arm. Ultrasound examination revealed an eccentrically arising mass of size 19 × 11 mm along median nerve. MRI study revealed a mass homogenously isointense on T1 weighted images and hyperintense in T2 weighted images placed eccentrically in relation to median nerve in arm. Excisional biopsy under loupe magnification was carried out which revealed the mass to be neurilemmoma. This slowly growing benign tumor of peripheral nerves with an incidence of 5% with 14% involvement of Median nerve can be enucleated from the nerve with little or no damage. In spite of advanced imaging studies the mass cannot be differentiated preoperatively from another peripheral nerve sheath tumor neurofibroma. Both these tumors although bearing some clinical and imaging resemblance carry different intraoperative findings, histopathological features and post-operative results.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome due to fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve

Nervous lipofibromatous hamartoma is a rare tumor-like condition involving the peripheral nerves, whereby the epineurium and perineurium are enlarged and distorted by excess of fatty and fibrous tissues that infiltrate between and around nerve boundaries. The median nerve is much more likely to develop a hamartoma than other nerves with a predilection for the carpal tunnel. We present a case of carpal tunnel syndrome in an adult caused by fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve, successfully removed by excision of the fibrolipomatous tissue and decompression.     

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve with macrodactyly of middle finger

Lipofibromatous Hamartoma (LFH) is a rare tumour affecting the peripheral nerves, mostly the median nerve. It is benign and slowly growing. Less than 100 cases have been reported in the literature, about one quarter of them are associated with macrodactyly in the field of the affected nerve.We reported a case of a 13 years old female with LFH of the median nerve at the level of the wrist associated Macrodactyly of the ipsilateral middle finger treated surgically by decompression only.     

健侧C_7神经联合多组神经移位治疗全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤正中神经功能随访

目的探讨健侧C7神经联合多组神经移位治疗全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤后正中神经功能的恢复情况。方法自2005-06—2010-06诊治40例全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤,首先行臂丛神经探查和健侧C7移位术一期。间隔4~8个月后完成健侧C7移位术二期及附加其他神经移位,按附加手术的不同分为3组,其中第1组10例健侧C7神经根移位于正中神经附加膈神经移位肌皮神经;第2组15例健侧C7神经根移位于正中神经附加肋间神经移位肌皮神经;第3组15例健侧C7神经根分2股分别移位于正中神经和肌皮神经附加副神经移位肩胛上神经。结果 40例获得随访3年余,1、2、3组有效率分别达50%、60%、73.3%。3组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论健侧C7神经根联合多组神经移位治疗全臂丛神经根性撕脱伤可获得较好的疗效,但不同附加术式未见明显疗效差异。     

A foregoing thenar muscular branch of the median nerve

We present a 62-year-old female patient who had an anatomic variation in the median nerve of the left hand. During surgery for releasing the left carpal tunnel, an abnormally high level of origin of the thenar muscular branch of the median nerve was detected, at 2.5 cm above the proximal border of transverse carpal ligament. It traveled between the medial side of the flexor carpi radialis tendon and median nerve and entered the carpal tunnel. After exiting the carpal tunnel distally, the nerve, was noted to course towards the thenar area. Such variations in the median nerve should be kept in mind while performing carpal tunnel release.     

正中神经脂肪纤维瘤的诊治

目的　介绍正中神经脂肪纤维瘤的诊治经验。方法　 1993年 10月至 2 0 0 4年 2月 ,采用屈肌支持带切断、正中神经松解、单纯肿瘤切除和正中神经病段切除术治疗正中神经脂肪纤维瘤 6例。术中发现肿瘤通常沿正中神经的走行呈膨胀性生长如纺锤形 ,大小为 1.0～ 2 .8cm× 2 .1～ 13 .5cm。神经外膜完整 ,肿瘤与周围组织分界清楚。神经束间有大量增生的脂肪和纤维组织。结果　术后随访 6个月～5年。行单纯肿瘤切除的 5例 ,仅有手指麻木的并发症 ;但在术后 3年内有 4例肿瘤复发。行正中神经病段切除术的 5例 (4例为单纯肿瘤切除的复发病例 ) ,术后 5例的正中神经支配区感觉均消失 ,4例的拇指不能对掌 ;无 1例肿瘤复发。结论　诊断 :通过手术可初步诊断为正中神经脂肪纤维瘤 ,肿瘤的组织学检查才能明确诊断。治疗 :单纯肿瘤切除术可缓解症状 ,行正中神经病段切除术可根除肿瘤 ,但需同时行神经移植与拇指对掌功能重建术。