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The nerve regeneration patterns of five different types of grafts were studied in 40 rabbits. Conventional nerve autografts, vascularized nerve autografts, fresh nerve allografts, frozen nerve allografts, and muscle autografts were sutured to a 1.5 cm gap in the sciatic nerve and compared with normal nerves and nerves with a 3 cm gap. Regeneration was evaluated by means of electromyography, light and electron microscopy. Quantitative data from morphometric analysis of axonal diameter and myelination were statistically analyzed. Results 5 months after grafting showed no significant differences between the conventional and vascularized nerve autografts. There were no significant differences between frozen nerve allografts and muscle autografts. The best regeneration was achieved with autografts.

Twelve patients with Kienböck's disease were treated by radial shortening. Eight patients were in stage II and four in stage III. After an average of 5 years, relief of pain was satisfactory in 10 patients; 8 were in stage II before operation and 2 in stage III. Two patients were dissatisfied because they had persistent pain; both were in stage III before surgery. The range of motion improved moderately. Nonunion at the site of radial osteotomy did not occur. Radiographs at follow up showed consolidation and healing of the lunate in 2 patients, nonprogression of the disease in 9 and increase of the carpal collapse in 1. The procedure helps to prevent further collapse of the lunate especially in stage II and in some patients in stage III.

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