Sensory recovery and Meissner corpuscle number after toe-to-hand transplantation.
This study investigated the possible relationship between sensory recovery and receptor number after toe-to-hand transplantation. Moving two-point discrimination was measured after a course of sensory re-education. Meissner corpuscle number was then quantified by light microscopic examination of multiple sections of glabrous skin obtained at pulp reduction and from site-matched normal toe and fingertip skin. Meissner corpuscle number per millimeter was 0.94 in normal toe skin (n = 4), and 0.37 after toe-to-hand transplantation (n = 34). A significant correlation existed between moving two-point discrimination and Meissner corpuscle number (r = -0.62; p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between moving two-point discrimination and patient age or interval from injury to reconstruction. The results suggest that despite sensory re-education, there may be a level of receptor reinnervation below which good sensory recovery may not be obtained.
Wei
F C
FC
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. fcw2007@adm.cgmh.com.tw
Carver
N
N
Lee
Y H
YH
Chuang
D C
DC
Cheng
S L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004056:Differential Threshold; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014034:Toes / Q000637:transplantation*; D014110:Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome