[Implantation of sensory nerve into flap: an experimental study and clinical application]

Experimental implantation of sensory nerve into flaps was done, with the purpose of restoration of sensation of the flaps. A scanty amount of nerve endings were found in the vicinity of the implantation after 2 months, obvious regeneration was observed after 3 months, and never endings similar to normal after 4 months. Sensory nerve was implanted into flaps in the hands and feet of 25 patients. 1-2 year follow-up showed that pain, temperature and tactile sensations recovered to normal, and two-point discrimination was 11-22 mm in the hands and 35-40 mm in the feet. In 3 patients, the implanted nerves were blocked with procaine, and anesthesia of the flaps ensued, thus it was proved that the flaps were innervated by the implanted sensory nerves.