Reconstruction of Digital Nerve Lesions With Muscle-in-Vein Conduits

BG Trauma Center Tuebingen

Status: Completed

Conditions: Peripheral Nerve Injury Upper Limb

Treatments: Other: Nerve reconstruction

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04788030

650/2018BO2-1

Details and patient eligibility

About

Muscle-in-vein conduits (MVCs) provide an alternative for bridging digital nerve defects when tension-free suture is not possible. Low donor site morbidity and absence of additional costs are favorable advantages compared to autografts or conduits. 37 patients with 43 defects of proper palmar digital nerves were retrospectively enrolled. Primary repair by MVCs was performed in 22 cases while 21 underwent secondary reconstruction. Recovery of sensibility was assessed by static and moving two-point discrimination (2PDs, 2PDm) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM). Results were compared with contralateral side serving as intraindividual control. Outcome data were stratified according to international guidelines and evaluated for differences in terms of age, gap length, time of reconstruction and concomitant injuries.

Enrollment: 37 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 72 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with reconstruction of digital nerves with muscle-in-vein conduits

Exclusion criteria

• Subtotal or total amputations
• pre-existing neurological disorders (e.g. polyneuropathy)
• symptoms of nerve entrapment

Trial design

37 participants in 1 patient group

Digital nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits

Treatment:

Other: Nerve reconstruction