[Experimental reconstruction on intrinsic hand muscle function by anterior interosseous nerve transference]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Hand Surgery

Context:

• Intrinsic hand muscle paralysis requires functional restoration.
• Nerve transfer surgery is a potential solution for restoring hand function.
• Evaluating nerve regeneration after surgical intervention is crucial.

Purpose:

• To assess the efficacy of anterior interosseous nerve transfer for intrinsic hand muscle reinnervation.
• To compare nerve regeneration and functional recovery between nerve transfer and direct nerve suturing.
• To evaluate the timeline of nerve regeneration using various assessment methods.

Summary:

• Anterior interosseous nerve transfers to the recurrent median and deep ulnar nerves were performed in Rhesus monkeys.
• Nerve regeneration was evaluated using gross, histological, ultrastructural, and electrophysiological methods over 12 months.
• Transferred nerves demonstrated accelerated reinnervation and functional recovery compared to directly sutured nerves, with myelinated axon passing rates reaching 156.16%.

Impact:

• Nerve transfers offer a promising surgical strategy for restoring intrinsic hand function.
• This study provides evidence for earlier functional recovery with nerve transfers.
• Findings contribute to understanding nerve regeneration dynamics and optimizing surgical outcomes in hand reconstruction.