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Peripheral nerve elongation by laser Doppler flowmetry controlled expansion: functional and neurophysiological
L P van der Wey1, T W Polder, M H Merks
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A new method for elongation of peripheral nerves with preservation of function is presented. Nerve blood flow during experimental nerve expansion of rabbit sciatic nerve is controlled by laser Doppler flowmetry in order to avoid nerve ischemia. Using this method, nerve function in relation to gait remained intact in 72.5% of the animals and recovered within 3 weeks in the others. Disturbances in toe-spread reflex recovered completely in all animals after 3 weeks. Significant nerve elongation up to 40% is possible with preservation of function when nerve blood flow is controlled by laser Doppler flowmetry.