Motor Neurotization by Segmental Epineurectomy and Implantation: Lateral Muscular Neurotization

ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to develop a new muscular neurotization technique, in which transection of the donor nerve is avoided. We investigated the outcome of insertion of the donor nerve within the denervated muscle following segmentary epineurectomy (lateral muscular neurotization). Thirty-five male Wistar rats were evaluated in five groups, including sham control, denervation control, denervation combined with segmentary epineurectomy, direct muscular neurotization, and lateral muscular neurotization. Electromyography, muscle weight measurements, and histological evaluations were performed at postoperative months 2 and 3. The denervation group was statistically successful for denervation as compared with the sham control group for all parameters. The lateral neurotization group was successful in preventing muscle atrophy and gaining reinnervation in electromyographic, histological, and weight parameters. The direct neurotization group was also successful in histological and weight parameters. Lateral muscular neurotization is promising because it does not interrupt the fascicular integrity and is successful in reinnervation; therefore, it seems to be a good alternative for direct muscular neurotization.

KEYWORDS

Muscular neurotization - implantation - lateral neurotization - muscle reinnervation

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