title: Comparison of short- with long-term regeneration results after digital nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits.
abstract: Muscle-in-vein conduits are used alternatively to nerve grafts for bridging nerve defects. The purpose of this study was to examine short- and long-term regeneration results after digital nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits. Static and moving two-point discriminations and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments were used to evaluate sensory recovery 6-12 months and 14-35 months after repair of digital nerves with muscle-in-vein in 7 cases. Both follow-ups were performed after clinical signs of progressing regeneration disappeared. In 4 of 7 cases, a further recovery of both two-point discriminations and in another case of only the static two-point discrimination of 1-3 mm could be found between the short-term and long-term follow-up examination. Moreover, a late recovery of both two-point discriminations was demonstrated in another case. Four of 7 cases showed a sensory improvement by one Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments. This pilot study suggests that sensory recovery still takes place even when clinical signs of progressing regeneration disappear.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jennifer Lynn
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Schiefer
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Rebekka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rath
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans-Eberhard
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Burn Center, BG Trauma Center, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Manoli
keywords: Semmes-Weinstein; digital nerves; long-term; muscle-in-vein conduits; outcome; peripheral nerve; regeneration; sensory recovery; short-term; two-point discrimination