[Peripheral nerves' function recovery by intratissual electric stimulation]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve injuries often require interventions to restore function.
• Electrical stimulation is a known method for nerve repair.
• Comparing intratissual and cutaneous electrical stimulation for nerve recovery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the time and quality of peripheral nerve function recovery.
• To compare intratissual versus cutaneous electrical stimulation post-nerve repair.
• To assess the impact on central neurons of damaged spinal nerves.

Main Methods:

• 77 patients with traumatic forearm peripheral nerve injuries were treated.
• 42 patients received intratissual electrical stimulation; 35 received cutaneous electrical stimulation.
• Both groups had similar electrical current parameters and pharmacological therapy over a 2-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Intratissual electrical stimulation reduced treatment time by 4-6 times compared to cutaneous stimulation.
• Qualitative indicators of nerve function recovery were significantly better with intratissual stimulation.
• Complete recovery was observed after three courses of intratissual electrical stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral nerve recovery time and quality depend on central neuron functional activity.
• Intratissual electrical stimulation effectively activates neuronal trophic function.
• This method offers a significant advantage over cutaneous stimulation for nerve repair.