Histologic structure of the palmar digital nerves of the hand and its application to nerve grafting

The digital nerves from 20 adult hands were studied histologically. The number of fascicles increases from the proximal to the distal portion of the finger. The number of myelin fibers was nearly the same in the nerves of the thumb and the index, long, and ring fingers. The mean diameter of the fascicles was of the order of 210 micrometer. Because there were many variations in the number of fascicles in the same nerve of different subjects, there was no attempt made at classification.     

电烧伤后肘关节纤维性强直的解剖学基础与临床治疗

目的　探讨电烧伤后肘关节纤维性强直并神经损伤的较好治疗方法。　方法　取30块健康成人肘关节固定标本,进行解剖学观察。对笔者单位10例电烧伤并发肘关节纤维性强直的患者,采用屈、伸肘功能重建的方法进行治疗,即松解尺、桡侧副韧带的前、后束与延长肱二、三头肌肌腱,同时下移内上髁处前臂屈肌群起点的附着点、前置尺神经,以生物力学观察标准进行疗效评价。　结果　通过对健康成人肘关节的解剖学观察可知,如果尺、桡侧副韧带后束与肱三头肌废用性挛缩,可引起肘关节伸直位强直;如果尺、桡侧副韧带前束与肱二头肌废用性挛缩,可引起肘关节屈曲位强直。10例电烧伤患者的术后功能恢复满意。术后随访1—3年,患者肘关节屈伸范围不变,灵活度加强。结论　重建屈、伸肘功能是治疗电烧伤后肘关节纤维性强直的关键,如同时下移内上髁处前臂屈肌群起点的附着点、前置尺神经,可进一步改善关节屈曲与神经嵌压。     

部分束支移位治疗臂丛神经根性损伤神经截取限度的实验研究

目的 研究不同程度切断大鼠尺神经主干近段对肢体功能的影响，以判断截取神经的限度。方法 对120只Wistar大鼠在上臂肌皮神经人肌水平不同程度切断尺神经（分别切断1／6，1／3，1／2，2／3及全部），术后6～8周观察大鼠的行为变化，尺神经电生理变化，尺侧腕屈肌及小指展肌的肌湿重比及肌细胞超微结构的改变。结果 尺神经切断少于1／3，在较短时间内可以获得满意的功能恢复；切断1／3～1／2，恢复较慢，有不可逆损伤表现；切断2／3以上会产生严重的不可逆损伤表现。结论 上臂尺神经切取少于1／3比较安全，切取1／2虽有一定程度的功能恢复但仍有较严重的不可逆功能障碍，临床上应谨慎。     

肘部尺神经的临床解剖学研究

目的：研究产生肘部尺神经卡压的解剖学基础。方法：观测５０侧成人尸体肘部尺神经的位置及被动屈肘时尺神经的伸长长度。临床调查并检测２００位正常人肘部尺神经的位置。结果：自肘部伸直位（０度）至完全屈肘位（１３５度），尺神经可拉长 ６．６％±０．３％（ｘ±ｓｘ自身对照，下同）；屈曲度大于 ９０度后，伸展性明显减少，为０．８％±０．１％。２００位正常人肘部尺神经半脱位发生率为９．５％（１９／２００）。结论：肘关节反复屈伸时尺神经不断被牵拉和压迫是造成肘部尺神经卡压的解剖学基础。     

肘部尺神经半脱位的解剖学和流行病学研究

目的：研究肘部尺神经半脱位的发生原因及其临床意义。方法：对１００侧成人尸体肘部的尺神经位置进行解剖观察；在人群中随机调查了８５４位正常人肘部尺神经的位置。结果：肘管深度为７．１±０．１４ｍｍ（χ±ｓχ）。解剖观察发现，６侧肢体的尺神经在屈肘时发生半脱位，肘管深度平均为４．８ｍｍ。８５４位正常人肘部尺神经半脱位发生率为８．９％（７６／８５４）。结论：绝大多数的肘部尺神经半脱位是先天性的。肘部尺神经半脱位不一定是肘部尺神经卡压的发病原因。     

肘管综合征的应用解剖学研究

目的 研究肘管综合征中尺神经的卡压因素,为临床手术提供解剖学依据.方法 采用解剖学方法对16具(32侧)成人尸体上肢标本进行解剖,观测造成尺神经卡压的Struthers弓形组织、内侧肌间隔和肘管,测量肘管内尺神经的面积、肘管的面积和肘管的长度,测量弓状韧带的长、宽和厚度.观测尺神经的营养血管及伴行长度,观测尺神经的尺侧腕屈肌肌支.结果 32侧上肢标本中12侧存在腱性Struthers弓形组织,10侧有肌性Struthers弓形组织,存在率为68.8%.尺神经在内上髁上方[(11.02±1.16)cm,小x±s.下同]处穿内侧肌间隔,尺神经肘管内面积与肘管面积之比为1:3.86,肘管长度为(1.96±0.18)cm.尺神经伴行血管有尺侧上副动脉和尺侧返动脉后支,尺神经在内上髁下方1cm左右发出尺侧腕屈肌肌支.结论 尺神经在肘管处最容易受压,手术治疗肘管综合征时向上的切口长度约为11.02cm,同时切除Struthers弓形组织和内侧肌间隔;尺神经前置手术时,注意保留与神经伴行的尺侧返动脉后支.     

带血供尺神经深筋膜瓣下前置术解剖学研究

目的为带血供尺神经深筋膜瓣下前置术提供解剖学依据。方法在12侧福尔马林固定的成人尸体上肢标本、8侧新鲜尸体上肢标本上观测尺神经在肘部的血供。结果肘部尺神经血供来源有3个:尺侧上副动脉(SUCA)、尺侧下副动脉(IUCA)和尺侧返动脉后支(PURA),与尺神经伴行长度分别约为15.0cm、5.0cm和5.5cm。尺神经于肘部发出关节支和肌支分别为1～3支。结论行尺神经深筋膜瓣下前置术时至少应保留SUCA或IUCA,深筋膜瓣的制作应依据任意皮瓣原则。     

全长膈神经移位恢复伸腕指功能的解剖学研究和临床应用

目的 在应用显微解剖学方法对上臂段桡神经深支部位进行研究的基础上,探讨将全长膈神经移位到上臂段桡神经深支部分以恢复伸腕、指功能的手术疗效.方法 对16具32侧尸体标本应用显微解剖学的方法,研究桡神经深、浅支在上臂段的特点及背阔肌的肌腱止点处桡神经深支在主干中的部位;在临床上开展2例经胸将全长膈神经移位到背阏肌止点处桡神经深支部分的手术,并评价其疗效.结果 通过显微解剖学研究发现上臂段桡神经前臂支内均可看见2个大的神经束组,在背阔肌的肌腱止点处桡神经深支主要位于前臂支的内侧神经束组中.1例术后1年10个月随访,肩外展80°,屈肘90°,伸肘0°,伸腕、指到位,屈腕10°,屈指尚不能;伸腕肌力达到M4,伸指肌力达到M3.另1例术后2年随访,肩外展40°,屈肘30°,伸肘0°,伸腕到位,伸指轻限,屈腕、指尚不能;伸腕肌力M,,伸指肌力达到M3-.结论 将全长膈神经移位到背阔肌的肌腱止点处桡神经前臂支的内侧神经束组可能是恢复全臂丛根性撕脱伤患者伸腕、指功能的有效方法.     

Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist secondary to a rheumatoid synovial cyst: case report and review of the literature.

Compression of the ulnar nerve within or near the canal of Guyon has been ascribed to numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The anatomy of the region is discussed, and a review of the reported causes of ulnar nerve compression is presented. A case of ulnar nerve compression at the wrist secondary to a rheumatoid synovial cyst is reported. Prompt decompression resulted in clinical and electromyographic recovery of sesory and motor function.     

人体尺神经显微结构三维可视化研究

目的 将人体尺神经行连续冰冻组织切片,经染色、扫描后获取尺神经连续断面二维图像信息,通过3D Nerve三维可视化软件系统勾画出完整的尺神经干三维解剖图谱.方法 取自愿捐献死亡3 h内38岁男性左侧尺神经全长(自臂丛内侧束至腕横韧带)标本1例,长约50cm,经定位、包埋、连续冰冻组织切片、乙酰胆碱脂酶组织化学染色,获取尺神经连续二维图像信息,应用3D Nerve三维可视化软件系统对尺神经内部结构进行三维重建.结果 尺神经在不同断面神经束的数量、位置及内部神经纤维的性质均有变化.应用尺神经3D Nerve三维可视化软件系统可在任意断面、任意角度观察尺神经内部的显微结构,追踪各神经束的立体行径,动态地展示尺神经内部神经束的复杂结构.结论 尺神经的3D Nerve三维可视化软件系统可真实地再现尺神经干全长及其内部各神经束的三维立体行径,为医学教学与临床修复尺神经损伤提供精确的神经任意断面三维立体解剖图像,有助于提高神经修复的疗效.     

Adipose tissue within peripheral nerves. Study of the human sciatic nerve

AIM: To describe the distribution of intraneural adipose cells in relation to nerve fascicles in a portion of peripheral nerve usually involved in accomplishing an anesthetic blockade of a lower extremity. METHOD: Using a scanning electron microscope, we studied sciatic nerve samples from the point of amputation of a lower limb of three patients. The samples were obtained at the upper angle of the popliteal fossa, 10-15 cm cephalad to the knee joint line. RESULTS: During dissection of the sciatic nerve samples, we observed a solitary trunk, but examination of the cross-sections under the microscope revealed the components of two clearly separated branches joined by supporting tissue. The sciatic nerve had an oval form in the portion under study, measuring 6.5 to 7.5 mm by 3.6 to 3.9 mm. Between the fascicles, the adipose tissue varied in thickness from 0.5 mm in the central zones to 0.2 mm in the peripheral zones. The adipocytes, which were all similar in the size with diameters of 40 microns, were empty, as a result of elimination of the lipid vacuoles during fixation. The adipose tissue was distributed inside the epineurium to surround isolated fascicles or groups of fascicles. CONCLUSIONS: The adipose tissue inside a nerve surrounded the fascicles to form adipose sheaths that separated the fascicles from one another. The thicknesses of these adipose sheaths varied from one fascicle to another. Cells join to make it possible to create a compact adipose sheet that can delay the diffusion of local anesthetic injected near a nerve and that can therefore interfere with the characteristics of an anesthetic blockade.     

Group fascicular vein grafts with interposition of nerve slices for long ulnar nerve defects: Report of three cases

Group fascicular vein grafts with interposition of nerve slices were designed for reconstruction of three ulnar nerves with defects of 2.5–4.5 cm. The veins were taken from superficial veins in the forearm and reversed to bridge the fascicles in both stumps. Normal nerve slices were sectioned from fascicles in the proximal stump and inserted inside the corresponding vein conduits. Postoperatively, the Tinel's sign was detected across the vein conduits, and electromyography showed reinnervation of intrinsic muscles of the hands. Follow-up for more than 2 years revealed motor recovery to M4 and sensory recovery to S3–S4 in these three cases. This technique may be a promising alternative to group fascicular nerve grafting for long defects in peripheral nerve trunks. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.     

Anatomic study of variations of hypothenar muscles and arborization patterns of the ulnar nerve in the hand

PURPOSE: To show the variations in the hypothenar muscles and the arborization patterns of the ulnar nerve and to investigate the relationship between the hypothenar muscles and the ulnar nerve. METHODS: We performed an anatomic study of 35 hands from embalmed cadavers. After dissecting the ulnar side of the hand we recorded the number of hypothenar muscles and their variations, the site of the hiatus for the deep branch of the ulnar nerve, and the branching patterns of the ulnar nerve in each hand. We then investigated the relationship between the variations in the hypothenar muscles and the arborization patterns of the ulnar nerve. RESULTS: The abductor digiti minimi (ADM) had 1 belly in 6 hands, 2 bellies in 28 hands, and 3 bellies in 1 hand. The flexor digiti minimi brevis was absent in 8 hands, had 1 belly in 24 hands, and had 2 bellies in 3 hands. The opponens digiti minimi had 2 layers of origin and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve passed between these 2 layers in all hands. We classified the structural patterns of the hiatus into 3 types, the arborization patterns of the ulnar nerve into 5 types, and the branching patterns of the motor branch to the ADM into 4 types according to their morphologic characteristics. We found variations of the arborization pattern in which the deep branch originated from the ulnar trunk of the ulnar nerve distal to bifurcation in 3 hands, a communicating branch was present between the 2 sensory branches to the fingers in 3 hands, and the ulnar sensory branch pierced the ADM in 2 hands. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that the anatomic relationship between the ulnar nerve and the hypothenar muscle is complex and that the formation of the hiatus varies. This knowledge can assist the surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with the ulnar aspect of the hand.     

Ulnar neuropathy at the wrist associated with aberrant flexor carpi ulnaris insertion

A 36-year-old man who sustained an industrial hyperextension injury of the wrist complained of dysesthesia and pain in the ulnar nerve distribution, aggravated for months by wrist movement until exploration. The operation revealed an anomalous insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon disrupting a major portion of the ulnar nerve proximal to the pisiform. the symptoms were relieved completely after neurolysis and modification of the insertion of the tendon.     

Rectus femoris muscle and composite skin transplantation by microneurovascular anastomoses for avulsion of forearm muscles: a case report.

The first clinical use in man of the rectus femoris muscle, with overlying composite skin, as a free transplant by microneurovascular anastomoses to the upper extremity was done for traumatic loss of all digital and forearm flexors, which had been treated with primary flap coverage, and later, sural nerve grafts for the avulsed portions of the median and ulnar nerves.     

Unrecognized dislocation of the medial portion of the triceps: another cause of failed ulnar nerve transposition

OBJECT: Failed surgical treatment for ulnar neuropathy or neuritis due to dislocation of the ulnar nerve presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The authors of this paper will establish unrecognized dislocation (snapping) of the medial portion of the triceps as a preventable cause of failed ulnar nerve transposition. METHODS: Fifteen patients had persistent, painful snapping at the medial elbow after ulnar nerve transposition, which had been performed for documented ulnar nerve dislocation with or without ulnar neuropathy. The snapping was caused by a previously unrecognized dislocation of the medial portion of triceps over the medial epicondyle. Seven of the 15 patients also had persistent ulnar nerve symptoms. The correct diagnosis of snapping triceps was delayed for an average of 22 months after the initial ulnar nerve transposition. An additional surgical procedure was performed in nine of the 15 cases and, in part, consisted of lateral transposition or excision of the offending snapping medial portion of the triceps. Of the four patients in this group who had persistent neurological symptoms, submuscular transposition was performed in the two with more severe symptoms and treatment of the triceps alone was performed in the two with milder neurological symptoms. Excellent results were achieved in all surgically treated patients. Six patients declined additional surgery and experienced persistent snapping and/or ulnar nerve symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Failure to recognize that dislocation of both the medial portion of the triceps and the ulnar nerve can exist concurrently may result in persistent snapping, elbow pain, and even ulnar nerve symptoms after a technically successful ulnar nerve transposition.     

顺行髓内针内固定术治疗第四、五掌骨骨折的解剖入路研究

目的 总结顺行髓内针内固定术治疗第四、五掌骨骨折的术后并发症,并进行手术入路的解剖学研究.方法 对112例掌骨骨折且接受了顺行髓内针内固定术治疗的患者进行随访,观察术后神经、肌腱的并发症.对16侧成人前臂标本进行解剖学研究,观察尺神经手背支及伸肌腱的走行特点,测量顺行髓内针内固定术治疗第四、五掌骨骨折的人针点到周围神经及肌腱的距离.方果 112例中有8.0%(9/112)的患者术后出现手背尺侧半感觉障碍,其中7例完全恢复,2例遗留症状.无肌腱粘连、肌腱刺激或断裂等并发症的发生.解剖学研究显示,第四掌骨入针点距尺神经手背支的中间支约(4.9±1.4)mm,距横支(12.9±2.8)mm,距小指指伸肌腱(2.8±1.5)mm,距小指固有伸肌腱(4.9±1.5)mm;第五掌骨入针点距尺侧支(4.7±2.1)mm,距中间支(5.7±1.5)mm,距小指固有伸肌腱(3.0±1.5)mm.方论 第四、五掌骨基底尺背侧为神经、肌腱的"裸区",是顺行髓内针内固定术治疗第四、五掌骨骨折相对安全的入针区域.但仍要谨慎操作,才能避免损伤.     

Carbonic anhydrase activity of human peripheral nerves: a possible histochemical aid to nerve repair

The return of usable function after injury of peripheral nerves depends upon the appropriate regeneration of axons to their end organs. Debridement trimmings of severed nerves harvested during surgery were stained to demonstrate carbonic anhydrase activity. This histochemical method can be accomplished within 3 to 4 hours of receiving the tissue. Nerve fascicles were readily discriminated from one another by the individual staining patterns of their constituent axons. Axoplasmic staining was predominantly a feature of sensory fibers, and myelin staining was characteristic of skeletal motor axons. Carbonic anhydrase histochemistry may provide a means of accurately matching fascicles in cut nerve ends.     

Cubitus varus associated with dislocation of both the medial portion of the triceps and the ulnar nerve.

Five patients with cubitus varus deformities from malunited childhood fractures had dislocation (snapping) of both the medial portion of the triceps and the ulnar nerve over the medial epicondyle. In addition to snapping, these patients had medial elbow pain or ulnar nerve symptoms. Cubitus varus shifts the line of pull of the triceps more medial, which can cause anteromedial displacement of the medial portion of the triceps during elbow flexion. The ulnar nerve is concomitantly pushed or pulled anteromedially by the triceps, and ulnar neuropathy may result from friction neuritis or from dynamic compression by the triceps against the epicondyle. Recognition of both the dislocating ulnar nerve and the snapping medial triceps is crucial in the successful treatment of this pathologic finding. In symptomatic individuals, we recommend either corrective valgus osteotomy of the distal humerus or partial excision or lateral transposition of the snapping medial triceps, or a combination of both. Alternatively, medial epicondylectomy can also eliminate the snapping. Transposition of the ulnar nerve can be performed for ulnar nerve symptoms and/or ulnar nerve instability. Using this approach, correction of the snapping and/or ulnar nerve symptoms was achieved in all cases.