J Reconstr Microsurg 1992; 8(2): 137-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006696
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1992 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Functional Aspects of Free Muscle Transplantation: Atrophy Reinnervation, and Metabolism

K. -D. Wolff, D. Stiller
  • Departments of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery and Radiology, Steglitz Medical Center, Free University of Berlin
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

Accepted for publication 1991

Publikationsdatum:
08. März 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The atrophy, reinnervation, and metabolism of free muscle flaps were studied in a rat model, by syngeneic and orthotopic transplantation of abdominal wall muscle flaps with neurovascular anastomoses. The three parameters were examined at different time periods, using electrophysiologic and 31-P-spec-troscopic measurements. Results show that a certain degree of atrophy (one-fifth of the original volume) must be expected, even when new axons grow throughout the nerve. This is explained by the early reduction of flap metabolism, leading to a loss of parenchyma until neuromuscular conduction is restored. As the maximum duration of ischemia is 2 hr, muscular damage due to reduced metabolism was not produced.