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J Reconstr Microsurg 2015; 31(07): 481-486
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1554937
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Basic Science of Muscle Neurotization: A Review

Petros Konofaos
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Robert D. Wallace
1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 November 2014

26 March 2015

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Traumatic nerve injuries continue to be considered a challenge in the field of nerve microsurgical reconstruction. Despite the advances in microsurgical repair techniques, motor function recovery is not adequate in severe nerve injuries, especially when there is separation of the motor nerve from the muscle tissue. The technique of reinnervating skeletal muscles by insertion within it of a donor nerve was developed at the beginning of the 20th century during World War I, when injuries and poliomyelitis produced paralytics for whom no therapy was available. Only a few reports of clinically successful reinnervation exist, and clinical application of the method during the following decades has been limited. However, the functional value of this procedure remains a matter of controversy. The purpose of this review is to present what is known in basic science about direct neurotization of muscle along with a brief historical review.

Keywords

direct neurotization of muscle - muscle denervation - nerve repair - nerve regeneration
 

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