In order to introduce a novel reversed digital artery island flap, it was used in 13 cases involving 17 digital skin defects since 1993, in which digital skin defects were covered by a reversed digital artery island flap, a comparative study was made between the flaps with or without a palmar digital vein. The results showed that the 17 island flaps were all survived, and during the early stage after operation, the incidence of venous crisis in the flaps without palmar digital vein was 87.5% (7/8) while that in the flaps with the vein was only 11.1% (1/9), so, it was concluded that the reversed digital artery island flap containing a palmar digital vein could obviously reduce the incidence of venous crisis and improve the survival of the flap.
To observe the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration, a model was created on the sciatic nerves of 56 rats from either sectioned and followed by direct anastomosis or clamping of the nerve. The indices, such as conducting velocity of nerve, maximal induced action potential of muscle, growth speed of nerve, rateof axon crossing anastomosis site, number of muscular fiber on transverse area and weight of muscle by autocontrol were compared. In this study, 36 rats were divided into two groups, 24 rats in Group 1 and 12 rats in Group 2. In Gourp 1, both sciatic nerves were sectioned and was anastomozed 4 weeks later. One side of the nerve was stimulated with percutaneous electric current, the other side was served as control. In Group 2, both sides of nerves were clamped and the electical stimulationwas carried out on one side. The parameters of the electric current were 2～5HZ, 0.4m/s, 24～48V. The electrophysiological and histomorphological features were observed 1 to 6 weeks after operation. The results showed that in the stimulatedside, the indices were all superior to that of the control side. This suggestedthat electrical stimulation could promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
Objective To review the recent development of extraplexal neurotization as a treatment for brachial plexus injuries. Methods Relevant literature was extensively reviewed.The new development, the advantages and disadvantages of extraplexal neurotization were comprehensively evaluated and analyzed. Results After many years of clinical research, great improvement in treatment of brachial plexus injuries was achieved. There were more donor nerves and better use of every donor nerve was made.Conclusion Extraplexal neurotization is an effective treatment for brachial plexus injuries.