Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for a Symptomatic Neuroma in a Traumatic Transmetatarsal Amputee: A Case Report.

CASE: An overall healthy 48-year-old man suffered a left foot mangled crush injury resulting in a post-transmetatarsal amputation and subsequently developing a painful neuroma on the plantar surface of the foot. To avoid the zone of injury, targeted muscle reinnervation was used to treat the neuroma by coapting the tibial nerve to the motor point of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle. At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported no pain at rest, returned to work, and could ambulate with an orthosis for 30 minutes. CONCLUSION: Rare tibial nerve coaptations to the FHL could serve as a treatment option for patients with neuromas in traumatic postmetatarsal amputation.

Evaluation of the long-term effect of selective tibial neurotomy for the treatment of spastic foot using a personal goal-centered approach.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of selective tibial neurotomy (STN) for the treatment of the spastic foot using a goal-centered approach. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2018, adult patients with a spastic foot (regardless of etiology) who received STN followed by a rehabilitation program were included. The primary outcome was the achievement of individual goals defined preoperatively (T0) and compared at 1-year (T1) and 5-year (T5) follow-up by using the Goal Attainment Scaling methodology (T-score). The secondary outcomes were the presence of spastic deformities (equinus, varus, and claw toes), modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score for the targeted muscles, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at T0, T1, and T5. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were included. At T5, 88.7% of patients had achieved their goals at least "as expected." The mean T-score was significantly higher at T1 (62.5 ± 9.5) and T5 (60.6 ± 11.3) than at T0 (37.9 ± 2.8) (p < 0.0001), and the difference between T1 and T5 was not significant (p = 0.2). Compared to T0, deformities (equinus, varus, and claw toes; all p < 0.0001), MAS score (p < 0.0001), and mRS score (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved at T1 and T5. Compared to T1, MAS score increased slightly only at T5 (p = 0.05) but remained largely below the preoperative value. There was no difference between T1 and T5 regarding other clinical parameters (e.g., deformities, walking abilities, mRS score). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that STN associated with a postoperative rehabilitation program can enable patients to successfully achieve personal goals that are sustained within a 5-year follow-up period.

Management of an Early-Onset, Painful Tibial Nerve Neuroma Using an Autologous Nerve Graft.

This case report describes the treatment of a postoperative painful neuroma of the tibial nerve using an autologous nerve graft in a dog. The patient presented with sudden non-weight-bearing lameness 10 days after iatrogenic tibial nerve injury during preparation of a reverse saphenous conduit flap. The dog showed severe pain at the surgical site without nerve deficits. A magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed an enlarged tibial nerve at the injury site, consistent with a neuroma. Analgesics were administered over 11 days, but the patient remained in severe pain and non-weight-bearing. Therefore, surgical resection was recommended. The fusiform neuroma was resected microsurgically, and a saphenous nerve graft was transplanted using an epineural nerve repair technique. Histopathological examination was consistent with a neuroma. The dog showed immediate pain relief and weight-bearing the day after surgery with normal motor function. The dog made a full recovery by the last follow-up 6 mo after surgery. If patients develop pain and lameness following surgery or nerve injury, neuroma formation must be considered, even shortly after surgery. Microsurgical resection and autologous nerve transplantation using an epineural nerve repair technique is a viable method to treat painful neuromas and minimize the risk for recurrence in dogs.

Anatomical study of the motor branches of the tibial nerve and incision design for hyperselective neurectomy.

PURPOSE: Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) is a surgical procedure for treating spastic equinovarus foot. Hyperselective neurectomy (HSN) of tibial nerve is a modified STN procedure, which was rarely discussed. This study aimed to describe the branching patterns of the tibial nerve and propose an optimal surgical incision of HSN for treatment of spastic equinovarus foot. METHODS: Sixteen lower limbs were dissected to determine the various branching patterns of the tibial nerve and categorized according to these branching patterns. The mean distances from the nerve entry points to the tip of femur's medial epicondyle were measured, as well as their percentage to the overall length of the leg. The surgical incision was designed according to the range of these nerve entry points. RESULTS: The tibial nerve sent out proximal and distal motor branches based on their position relative to the soleus muscle's tendinous arch. For proximal motor branches, the branches innervating the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and proximal soleus were categorized into types I (9/16), II (5/16) and III (2/16). Measurements from the medial epicondyle to the nerve entry points into the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and proximal soleus ranged from 14 to 33 mm (4-9% of leg length), 22-45 mm (6-12%) and 35-81 mm (10-22%), respectively. Distal motor branches including the distal soleus, posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus, were classified as types A (8/14), B (4/14) and C (2/14), with the distances from their respective terminal points to the medial epicondyle were 67-137 mm (19-39%), 74-125 mm (20-35%), 116-243 mm (33-69%) and 125-272 mm (35-77%). CONCLUSIONS: The motor branches of tibial nerve were classified into two groups and each subdivided into three types. Detailed location parameters may serve as an anatomical basis for designing incision of HSN.

The Effectiveness of Indonesia's Seven - Step Return to Work Assessment on a Distal Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome : A Case Report Study.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a nerve entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve. This uncommon condition frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed even though it interferes with the daily activities of workers. Here we discuss the return to work status of a 37-year-old male patient who manages a manufacturing plant. He was identified as having Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome as a result of a foot abnormality and improper shoe wear. He had moderate pes planus and underwent tarsal tunnel release on his right foot. What are the determinant factors in defining a patient's status for returning to work after a tarsal tunnel release? We conducted a literature review using PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane. The Indonesian Occupational Medicine Association used the seven-step return-to-work assessment as a protocol to avoid overlooking the process. Duration of symptoms, associated pathology, and the presence of structural foot problems or a space-occupying lesion are factors affecting outcome. Post-operative foot scores, including Maryland Foot Score (MFS), VAS, and Foot Function Index, can be used to evaluate patient outcomes. Early disability limitation and a thorough return-to-work assessment are needed.

Stem cells in end-to-side neurorrhaphy. Experimental study in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the influence of mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue in the end-to-side neurorrhaphy, focusing in the nerve regeneration and the muscle reinnervation in acute trauma. Methods: 140 animals were randomly divided in seven groups: control, denervated, end-to-side neurorrhaphy between distal stump of common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve (ESN), ESN wrapped in fascia, ESN wrapped in fascia and platelet gel, ESN wrapped in platelet gel, ESN wrapped in fascia and platelet gel within stem cells (without culture) removed from the adipose tissue. Mass measurements of the animal and of cranial tibial muscles, electromyography, walking track analysis tests and histological examinations of the nerves and muscles after 180 days was performed. Results: In the groups where the ESN was performed, the results were always better when compared to the denervated group, showing reinnervation in all ESN groups. The most sensitive methods were walking track and histological analysis. Only the group with stem cells showed values similar to the control group, as well as the functional indices of peroneal nerve and the number of nerve fibers in the peroneal nerve. Conclusions: Stem cells were effective in ESN according with the functional index of the peroneal nerve, evaluated by walking track analysis and the number of nerve fibers in the peroneal nerve.

Neurorrhaphy techniques: comparative stereological and experimental axonal study / Técnicas de neurorrafia: estudio experimental estereológico axonal comparativo

There is a great variety of injuries that affect peripheral nerves derived from acquired or congenital degenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system that cause loss of sensorimotor functions. The objective of this work was to perform an end-to-side or side-to-side experimental axonal stereological study in order to compare volume density of axons, endouneuro and myelin sheath (and muscle mass) in peroneal and tibial nerves, with anastomosis contact from 0.25 cm to 0.50 cm. After approval of the Ethics Committe, 20 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five rats each (G1= end-to-side neurorrhaphy; G2= side-to-side neurorrhaphy of 0.25 cm; G3= side-to-side neurorrhaphy of 0 cm and G4= Control of normality). After 180 days, fragments of peroneal and tibial nerves were collected for histological and stereological study. In comparative stereological experimental study between neurorraphies, the volume density of axons, myelin sheath of tibial and fibular nerves, as well as the post-surgical muscle mass, remains the same in end-to-side and side-to-side neurorraphies, regardless of contact area of anastomosis. It can be inferred, as surgical repair options, both end-to-side neurorrhaphy to recover and prevents atrophy of the endplate as side-to-side neurorraphy that is independent of the distance between the nerve stumps.

Gran variedad de lesiones atingen a los nervios periféricos, derivadas de enfermedades adquiridas o degenerativas congénitas que afectan la parte central del sistema nervioso y que ocasionan pérdida de funciones sensoriomotoras. El objetivo de ese trabajo fue realizar un estudio experimental estereológico axonal post neurorrafias termino-lateral o latero-lateral para comparar densidad de volumen de axones, endoneuro y vaina de mielina (así como masa muscular) en nervios fibular y tibial, con unión de contacto entre 0,25 cm y 0,50 cm. Tras la aprobación del comité de ética, fueran utilizados 20 ratones machos de la raza Wistar divididos en cuatro grupos de 5 ratones cada uno (G1= Neurorrafia término lateral; G2= Neurorrafia latero lateral de 0,25 cm; G3= Neurorrafia latero lateral de 0,50 cm y G4= Control). Posteriormente, fragmentos de los nervios tibiales y fibulares fueron procesados para estudios histológicos y estereológicos. En el estudio experimental estereológico comparativo entre neurorrafias termino-lateral y latero-lateral, la densidad de volumen de axones, endoneuro y vaina de mielina de nervios tibial y fibular y también la masa muscular post quirúrgica se mantuvo equitativa, independientemente del área de unión de contacto. Podemos inferir como opciones de reparación quirúrgica, que el tratamiento de la neurorrafia termino-lateral y latero-lateral previnen la atrofia de placa motora, independiente de la distancia entre los muñones nerviosos.

Síndrome del túnel del tarso: secundario a insuficiencia venosa. Reporte de un caso / Tarsal tunnel syndrome secondary to venous insufficiency: Case report

El síndrome del túnel del tarso se define como una neuropatía compresiva extrínseca y/o intrínseca del nervio tibial posterior o de una de sus ramas siendo una de sus causas la insuficiencia vascular. Caso clínico: femenina de 51 años, originaria de León, Guanajuato. Hipertensa, síndrome de Guillain-Barré hace ocho años, insuficiencia vascular y obesidad. Inicia con dolor en tobillo y talón izquierdo, manejada con AINES y rehabilitación con mejoría parcial, se realizan radiografías y resonancia magnética nuclear del tobillo izquierdo con datos de pinzamiento posterior, se realiza artroscopía y mejora un mes presentándose dolor intenso en el tobillo y la planta del pie y disestesias, se hace electromiografía con datos de lesión del tibial posterior. Cuenta con historia clínica, perfil prequirúrgico, dorsoplantar y lateral, se realiza una artroscopía encontrándose una tendinitis del Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL), sinovitis y un pinzamiento posterior del tobillo, se hace sinovectomía, descompresión y un peinado del FHL. Mala evolución, se realiza electromiografía con axonotmesis de la rama plantar medial. Se realiza la liberación del nervio encontrándose el plexo venoso de Lazhortes tortuoso comprimiendo en todo su trayecto. Una de las causas es por la compresión intrínseca secundaria a tumores, modificaciones de la anatomía del túnel del tarso; sin embargo, menos frecuente, las várices pueden confundir el diagnóstico y llegar a producir un daño irreparable para el paciente si no se trata a tiempo. La paciente se encuentra actualmente sin dolor que le posibilita la marcha, con disestesias leves del primer dedo y movilidad limitada para su flexión.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is defined as an extrinsic and/or intrinsic compressive neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve or one of its branches. Its causes include venous insufficiency. Clinical case: 51 year-old female patient from León, Guanajuato. Hypertensive, with Guillain-Barré syndrome for eight years, vascular insufficiency and obesity. Her condition started with left ankle and heel pain; she was treated with NSAIDs and rehabilitation and achieved partial improvement. X-rays and MRI of the left ankle showed posterior impingement. She underwent arthroscopy and improved but one month later she presented with severe pain in the left ankle and sole and dysesthesias. Electromyography showed a lesion of the posterior tibial nerve. We had the patient's case history, preoperative tests, and dorsoplantar and lateral X-ray views. The arthroscopic diagnosis was flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendinitis, synovitis and posterior ankle impingement. Synovectomy, decompression and smoothening of the FHL tendon were performed. The patient did poorly and underwent electromyography with axonotmesis of the medial plantar branch. After the nerve was released, Lazorthes venous plexus was found to be tortuous and compressing the entire nerve tract. The possible causes for this include intrinsic compression secondary to tumors, and anatomical changes of the tarsal tunnel. However, less often varices may confound the diagnosis and cause irreversible damage if not treated timely. The patient is currently pain free and can walk, has mild dysesthesias of the first toe and limited flexion.

End-to-side loop neurorrhaphy: axonal comparative stereological study / Neurorrafia de blucle termino-lateral: estudio axonal estereológico comparativo

Accidents or diseases can affect the peripheral part of the nervous system, which raises clinical and surgical therapies, among others. In this context, the technique of end-to-side neurorrhaphy is a treatment option, yet its modification loop needs some additional efficacy studies. The purpose of this study was to compare, among rats, stereological results (axons volume density) after end-to-side neurorrhaphy and after end-to-side loop neurorrhaphy. Thirty Wistar rats were used, divided into six groups (five animals per group), consisting of two control groups (for the fibular and tibial nerves), two study groups for the fibular nerve (one with an end-to-side neurorrhaphy, and the other with an end-to-side loop neurorrhaphy) and two study groups for the tibial nerve (with an end-to-side neurorrhaphy and the other one with an end-to-side loop neurorrhaphy). After 180 days, all groups were sacrificed for axonal stereological analysis (volume density) in distal nerve stumps. There was significant maintenance of neuronal-axonal density in the distal stumps to neurorrhaphy (p<0.005) compared with the normal stumps. The end-to-side loop neurorrhaphy is a therapeutic option as suture technique after complete nerve section, in order to restore most of the axonal functional integrity.

Accidentes o enfermedades pueden afectar a la parte periférica del sistema nervioso, lo que plantea terapias clínicas y quirúrgicas, entre otras. En este contexto, la técnica de neurorrafia término-lateral es una opción terapéutica, sin embargo, su modificación en bucle necesita algunos estudios adicionales de eficacia. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar, en ratas, resultados estereológicos (densidad de volumen axonal) después de la neurorrafia término-lateral y de la neurorrafia en bucle término-lateral. Fueron utilizadas 30 ratas Wistar, divididas en seis grupos (cinco animales por grupo), siendo dos grupos control (para los nervios fibular y tibial), dos grupos estudio del nervio fibular (uno con neurorrafia término-lateral y otro con neurorrafia en bucle termino-lateral) y dos grupos estudio del nervio tibial (uno con neurorrafia término-lateral y otro con neurorrafia en bucle término-lateral). Después de 180 días, todos los grupos fueron eutanasiados y se realizó el análisis estereológico axonal (densidad de volumen) en muñones nerviosos distales. Hubo un mantenimiento significativo de la densidad neuronal-axonal en los muñones distales a la neurorrafia (p<0,005) en comparación con los muñones normales. La neurorrafia en bucle término-lateral es una opción terapéutica como técnica de sutura después de la sección completa del nervio, con el fin de restaurar la mayoría de la integridad funcional axonal.

The embracing end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats / A neurorrafia término-lateral abraçante em ratos

PURPOSE: Compare two new methods with the traditional end-to-side neurorrhaphy. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups. In A-L group the peroneal nerve was sectioned and the distal stump was connected to the lateral of the tibial nerve (donor) with two 10-0 nylon points. In A-R group two perineurium flaps embraced the donor nerve. In the B-R group a suture embraced the donor nerve. Group B-L was the control. After six months tibial cranial muscle mass and morphometry of the distal stump of the peroneal nerve were evaluated. RESULTS: Muscle mass in groups A-R, A-L and B-R were lower than B-L group (p<0.0001) an equal between themselves (p>0.05). Groups A-R, B-R and A-L had a lower number of nerve fibers when compared with B-L (p=0.0155, p=0.016, p=0.0021). CONCLUSION: The three types of neurorrhaphy showed no differences related to muscle mass and number of nerve fibers suggesting that the embracing with a single suture has great potential due its simplicity and usefulness in deep areas.

OBJETIVO: Comparar dois novos métodos com o método tradicional da neurorrafia término-lateral. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram separados em quatro grupos. No grupo A-E o nervo peroneal foi seccionado e o coto distal foi suturado à lateral do nervo tibial com dois pontos de nylon 10-0. No grupo A-D duas abas de epi-perineuro abraçaram o nervo doador. No grupo B-D foi realizada sutura com um único ponto abraçando o nervo doador. O grupo B-E foi o controle. Após seis meses foram observados massa do músculo tibial cranial e morfometria do coto distal do nervo peroneal. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada menor massa muscular nos grupos A-D, A-E e B-D quando comparados com o grupo B-E (p<0.0001) e mesma massa quando comparados entre si (p>0,05). Os grupos A-D, A-E e B-D apresentaram menor número de fibras nervosas quando comparados ao grupo B-E (p=0,0155; p=0,016; p=0,0021) e mesmo número quando comparados entre si. CONCLUSÃO: Os três tipos de neurorrafia não apresentaram diferenças relacionadas à massa muscular e número de fibras nervosas sugerindo que a sutura abraçante com apenas um ponto apresente grande potencial em áreas cirúrgicas mais profundas.

Double muscle innervation using end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats / Dupla inervação muscular com neurorrafia término-lateral em ratos

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: One of the techniques used for treating facial paralysis is double muscle innervation using end-to-end neurorrhaphy with sectioning of healthy nerves. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether double muscle innervation by means of end-to-side neurorrhaphy could occur, with maintenance of muscle innervation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental study developed at the Experimental Research Center, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Unesp. METHODS: One hundred rats were allocated to five groups as follows: G1, control group; G2, the peroneal nerve was sectioned; G3, the tibial nerve was transected and the proximal stump was end-to-side sutured to the intact peroneal nerve; G4, 120 days after the G3 surgery, the peroneal nerve was sectioned proximally to the neurorrhaphy; G5, 120 days after the G3 surgery, the peroneal and tibial nerves were sectioned proximally to the neurorrhaphy. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty days after the surgery, G3 did not show any change in tibial muscle weight or muscle fiber diameter, but the axonal fiber diameter in the peroneal nerve distal to the neurorrhaphy had decreased. Although G4 showed atrophy of the cranial tibial muscle 30 days after sectioning the peroneal nerve, the electrophysiological test results and axonal diameter measurement confirmed that muscle reinnervation had occurred. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that double muscle innervation did not occur through end-to-side neurorrhaphy; the tibial nerve was not able to maintain muscle innervation after the peroneal nerve had been sectioned, although muscle reinnervation was found to have occurred, 30 days after the peroneal nerve had been sectioned.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Uma das técnicas utilizadas para tratamento da paralisia facial é a dupla inervação muscular com neurorrafia término-terminal, seccionando-se nervos sadios. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de dupla inervação muscular através de neurorrafia término-lateral e a manutenção da inervação. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo experimental desenvolvido no Centro de Pesquisa Experimental da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Unesp. MÉTODOS: Cem ratos foram distribuídos em cinco grupos: G1, controle; G2, secção do nervo fibular; G3, o nervo tibial foi seccionado e o coto proximal suturado na lateral do nervo fibular íntegro; G4, 120 dias após a cirurgia do G3, o nervo fibular foi seccionado proximal à neurorrafia; G5, 120 dias após a cirurgia do G3, os nervos fibular e tibial foram seccionados proximal à neurorrafia. RESULTADOS: Após 150 dias da cirurgia, não foi observada variação na massa do músculo tibial ou no diâmetro das fibras musculares no G3, porém, houve redução do diâmetro da fibra axonal do nervo fibular distal à neurorrafia. Embora, no G4, tenha ocorrido atrofia do músculo tibial cranial 30 dias após a secção do nervo fibular, os resultados do teste eletrofisiológico e da medida do diâmetro axonal confirmaram a ocorrência de reinervação muscular. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que a dupla inervação muscular não ocorreu através da neurorrafia término-lateral; o nervo tibial não foi capaz de manter a inervação muscular após a secção do nervo fibular; contudo, ocorreu reinervação muscular 30 dias após a secção do nervo fibular.

End-to-side nerve repair using fibrin glue in rats / Anastomose nervosa término-lateral usando cola de fibrina em ratos

Purpose: To evaluate axonal regeneration after end-to-side nerve repair with fibrin glue in rats. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group A (n=15), were not submitted to surgery (control group); group B (n=15) were submitted to fibular transection without repair; and group C (n=15), were submitted to fibular transection with end-to-side nerve anastomosis using fibrin glue, in the lateral surface of an intact tibial nerve. The three groups were submitted to walking track (30 and 90 days) and posterior morphometrical analysis (90 days). Results: The functional tests demonstrated that there was no difference in the walking track during the study in group A (p>0.05). The group B had walking pattern impairment in the two tests (p>0.05). The group C had walking pattern impairment in the first test, with important recovery in the second test (p<0.05). The morphometrical assessment revealed significantly higher number of regenerated mielinates axons in group C, compared to group B (p<0.05). Conclusion: The end-to-side nerve repair with fibrin glue shows axonal recovery, demonstrated through functional and morphometrical ways in rats.

Objetivo: Avaliar a regeneração axonal após anastomose nervosa término-lateral (ATL) usando cola de fibrina em ratos. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco ratos Wistar distribuídos em três grupos: os animais do grupo A (n=15) não foram submetidos à secção nervosa (grupo controle); os animais do grupo B (n=15) foram submetidos apenas à secção do nervo fibular, sem posterior anastomose; e os animais do grupo C (n=15) foram submetidos à secção do nervo fibular e à ATL com cola de fibrina no nervo tibial. Posteriormente, os animais foram submetidos a dois testes de marcha (30 e 90 dias) e à análise morfométrica (90 dias). Resultados: A análise estatística dos testes de marcha demonstrou que o grupo A não apresentou alteração no padrão de caminhada durante o estudo (p>0,05). O grupo B apresentou prejuízo motor no primeiro e no segundo teste (p>0,05). O grupo C apresentou um padrão de atrofia no primeiro teste, com recuperação da marcha no segundo teste (p<0,05). Na análise morfométrica, o grupo C apresentou regeneração axonal significativamente superior ao grupo B (p<0,05). Conclusão: A ATL realizada com cola de fibrina resultou em regeneração axonal no rato, demonstrada tanto histologicamente quanto funcionalmente.

Distalización del tubérculo tibial anterior, como complemento de técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la marcha agazapada (crouch gait): en pacientes con parálisis cerebral infantil (PCI): técnica original / Distalización of the tuber previous tibial, like complement of technical surgical in the treatment of the hidden march (crouch gait): in patient with infantile cerebral paralysis (PCI): original technique

La marcha agazapada (crouch gait) constituye una importante limitación para la adecuada locomoción en pacientes con parálisis cerebral infantil (PCI). Este trastorno en la marcha es producto de un disbalance entre la musculatura agonista y antagonista, y una disfusión del brazo de palanca, combinada a una anterversión femoral (AVF) excesiva, presencia de torsión tibial externa, pie plano valgo y acortamiento muscular. Descripción y desarrollo de una nueva técnica diseñada (distalización del tubérculo tibial anterior) para el tratamiento de la marcha agazapada (crouch grait), en conjunto con múltiples cirugías realizadas frecuentemente. Trabajo retrospectivo, de carácter observacional, simple, en el cual se evaluaron 04 pacientes de ambos sexos con PCI, que consultaron el Hospital Ortopédico Infantil de Caracas entre los años 2005 y 2006, con marcha agazapada, quienes presentaban rodilla en flexión, con insuficiencia del cuádricep, una pateleta francamente ascendida, con dificultad en incluso imposibilidad para el paso libre del pie durante el balanceo, y un gran consumo de energía durante la deambulación. El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 17.25 años con una desviación estánda de */-3.42; a todos los pacientes objeto de estudio, se les realizó el mismo protocolo de tratamiento quirúrgico, observándose corrección del patrón de marcha y posturas iniciales, se restableció la relación patelofemoral, con lo que se logró un cuádriceps más eficiente, obteniéndose una postura erguida durante la marcha, inclusive sin a utilización de férulas, mejorando el paso libre del pie en el balanceo y disminuyendo en forma drástica el consumo de energía. La distalización tubérculo tibial, combinada a cirugías múltiples y trasferencias tendinosas, corrige la marcha agazapada (crouch gait), haciendo más eficiente al cuádriceps, mejorando la progresión del pie durante la fase de balanceo, y disminuyendo el consumo de energía durante el ciclo de la marcha.

Estudo morfológico da regeneração axonial na síntese terminolateral de nervo periférico de ratos com adesivo de fibrina e micro-sutura / Morphological study of axonal regeneration in mice peripherical nerve terminolateral synthesis with fibrin adhesive and microsuture

Quando um nervo periférico é seccionado, com freqüência, há um intervalo variável entre os cotos. Se esta distância é muito grande ou o leito aonde serão colocados os enxertos nervosos não é adequado, podese usar os reparos terminolaterais. Existe, na literatura médica, uma expressiva quan- tidade de trabalhos experimentais sobre este tipo de reparo que constatam resultados satisfatórios com a utilização de fio de poliamida 9-0 e sem a retirada do epineuro. O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar as alterações morfológicas do reparo terminolateral comparando o adesivo de fibrina ao fio de poliamida. Criou-se dois grupos (A e B) com 11 ratos em cada um deles. No grupo A foi realizado, de um lado, o reparo terminolateral entre o nervo tibial e o fibular com fio de poliamida. No grupo B, no lado contra-lateral, realizouse o mesmo procedimento com adesivo de fibrina. Os animais operados foram observados até o nonagésimo dia de pós-operatório. Sob microscopia óptica contou-se o número de axônios regenerados e seu diâmetro. Do ponto de vista morfológico não se encontrou nenhuma diferença entre os tipos de sínteses empregados. Pode-se, entretanto, inferir que o adesivo de fibrina diminui o tempo operatório e não causa lesões no nervo doador.

When a peripheral nerve is sectioned there is frequently a gap between the stumps. If the distance between them is too wide or there is a lot of fibrosis, we can use the end-to-side repair. In the medical literature, there are quite a few experimental papers about this kind of repair with good results using nylon 9-0 without epineural removal. The objective of the present paper is to show the morphologic alterations of the end to side repair, comparing the fibrin glue with the nylon. For that purpose, we used two groups (A and B) with 11 rats each. In group A, it was conducted, on one side, an end-to-side repair of the tibial and fibular nerves with nylon. In group B, on the other side, we did the same procedure using fibrin glue. The operated animals were observed until the 90th day after the surgery. With optic microscopy, we counted the axons and their diameter. Morphologically, there was not any statistical difference between the two groups. However, one can infer that the fibrin glue reduces the operative time, and does not cause lesion in the donor nerve.

Avaliação neurologica completa na neuropatia hanseniana / Complete neurologica assessment in Hansen´s disease

Dada a importância da afectação neurológica da Doença de Hansen, os autores tentam descrever neste artigo a forma de realizar uma exploração neurológica completa. Para efeito, são focados os pontos fundamentais desta prática, como a palpação e identificação dos nervos periféricos engrossados, o estudo da sensibilidade superficial e profunda, a exploração da mobilidade voluntária, o exame dos reflexos e a avaliação dos processos neutróficos secundários ao trauma. Devemos destacar que, na maioria das situações, para o diagnóstico da doença e fundamentalmente no trabalho de campo, realizaremos uma exploração baseada em todos estes pontos, embora muito mais simplificada. Como anexo do artigo serão apresentados os resultados obtidos com a exploração neurológica de 71 doentes controlados no Sanatório Fontilles.

Regeneraçäo de nervo periférico após anastomose término-lateral, com manutençäo do epineuro, em ratos / Regeneration of peripheral nerve after termino-lateral anastomosis with epineurium maintenance in rats

A reinervaçäo dos nervos periféricos pode ser realizada através de anastomoses término-terminais ou término-laterais, e este fenômeno tem sido amplamente estud ado. As anastomoses nervosas término-laterais tem sido utilizadas com pouca freqüência em relaçäo as anastomoses término-terminais e contestada por alguns autores quanto a possibilidade de reinervaçäo, quando a integridade do epineuro é mantida. Devido a estas divergências, estudou-se o efeito do epineuro na reinervaçäo em anastomoses término-laterais, em ratos. Foram utilizados 20 ratos Wistar, adultos, distribuídos em dois grupos (A e B). No grupo A, 10 animais foram submetidos à secçäo do nervo fibular no membro pélvico direito e fixaçäo desde à musculatura; no membro pélvico esquerdo foi realizada a secçäo do nervo fibular e anastomasado término-lateral com o nervo tibial. No grupo B, os procedimentos foram idênticos aos realizados no grupo A, sendo somente invertido os membros pélvicos. No nonagésimo dia do ato operatório, foi realizada uma biópsia em cada nervo fibular para análise histológica à microscópia óptica, onde a reinervaçäo foi objeto de estudo. A reinervaçäo ocorreu mostrando que a integridade do epineuro näo impediu a regeneraçäo axonal.

Sindrome do túnel do tarso: aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos / Tarsal tunnel syndrome: clinical and surgical features

Os autores descrevem 5 casos de doentes com quadro clínico e eletromiográfico de síndrome do túnel do tarso, tratados cirurgicamente através de neurólise do nervo tibial no ponto de compressao. Os aspectos da anatomia da regiao, fisiopatologia, indicaçao cirúrgica e resultados sao discutidos.

Síndrome del túnel del tarso / Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Presentamos 6 pacientes operados por un síndrome del túnel del tarso, 5 mujeres y 1 hombre. El promedio de edad fue de 47 años y el rango entre 38 y 55 años. En todos los casos el síndrome fue unilateral. Los 6 pacientes relataban dolor en relación con la actividad y con el reposo. En el exámen físico, la percusión sobre el túnel del tarso reproducía las parentesias y el dolor local. El estudio electrofisiológico mostró un enlentecimiento de la velocidad de conducción del nervio. En un paciente se efectuó una tomografía computada que demostró un quiste sinovial, fue resecado, demostrándose que provocaba una compresión directa sobre el nervio. En la intervención quirúrgica se efectuó una incisión semicurva, posterior al maléolo medial, siguiendo el trayecto del nervio tibial. Se seccionó el frexor retináculo y se identificó el segmento proximal del nervio tibial. Se liberó de todas las potenciales compresiones. Se efectuó una neurolisis del nervio tibial posterior, plantar medial y lateral y del nervio calcáneo medial y abductor del quinto ortejo. En 5 pacientes hubo una desaparición completa de la sintomatología. En un caso hubo una mejoría parcial. En los seis pacientes hubo una desaparición progresiva del signo de Tinnel