Muscle preservation using an implantable electrical system after nerve injury and repair

The value of continuous electrical stimulation of denervated muscles after nerve injury and repair has been clearly shown in a series of laboratory experiments in three animal models. This experimental background, which showed improved muscle preservation and better functional results, evolved into...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microsurgery 2001, Vol.21 (6), p.241-247
Main Authors: Nicolaidis, Stephen C., Williams, H. Bruce
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Arm
Electric Stimulation Therapy - instrumentation
Electric Stimulation Therapy - methods
Electrodes, Implanted
Equipment Design
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle, Skeletal - physiology
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - rehabilitation
Prospective Studies
Radial Nerve - injuries
Radial Nerve - surgery
Recovery of Function
Treatment Outcome
Ulnar Nerve - injuries
Ulnar Nerve - surgery
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Summary:The value of continuous electrical stimulation of denervated muscles after nerve injury and repair has been clearly shown in a series of laboratory experiments in three animal models. This experimental background, which showed improved muscle preservation and better functional results, evolved into a clinical study that included 15 patients with peripheral nerve injuries in the upper extremities, 3 patients with brachial plexus injuries, and three patients with facial nerve paralysis. Improved functional results were obtained using this implantable system, which were similar to those achieved with the animal experiments. All patients had muscle stimulation for extended periods ranging from 127 to 346 days. Analysis of the results showed satisfactory nerve regeneration on clinical examination and with electromyographic studies. Functional muscle analysis varied somewhat from patient to patient, but every patient had a satisfactory to excellent recovery. The results from this study have clearly shown the benefits of continuous muscle stimulation using an implantable electrical system after nerve injury and repair expansion of the project to a larger patient cohort is indicated. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:241–247 2001
ISSN:0738-1085
1098-2752
DOI:10.1002/micr.1047