Normal nerve-fibres in the distal segment of nerves completely separated from the proximal stump for more than six months

Abstract

Our experimental and histopathological findings of normal nerve-fibres in the distal and intermediate segments of nerves completely separated from the proximal stump for more than six months differs from those of previous observers, and the application of our observations in surgical reconstruction of about one hundred human nerves, chiefly from the upper limb, has resulted in appreciably great degrees of success in most cases.

The ectopic newly-formed nerve fibres which repopulate the long-time denervated and atrophic chick skeletal muscle

“…Motor endplates were also seen in these long-time denervated distal bellies, chiefly in those eight to twelve months post-operatively. Moreover, in many of these cases, a typical "neuroma-like structure" of the nerve distal stump, as described by Erhart & Rezze 3 , was seen included within the remaining intermediate tendon, close to its long-time sectioned distal extremity.…”

Innervation of the autotransplanted lung

“…We could identify them at the level of the bronchial anastom osis in dogs sacrified 30 days postoperatively. According to E rhart and Rezze [ 1966] observa tions the 'new-growing" nerve libers repopulate the distal segment of nerves com pletely separated from the proximal stum p for more than 6 m onths.…”

Effect of experimental devascularization on peripheral nerves

“…Richter 17 considered the bad results of grafts due to vascular, deficiences and Weddell 21 states: "Nerve bundles which are more closely related to large blood vessels are more rapidly re-innervated than those farther away". Moreover, Erhart 10 observed that distal nerve segments, dislocated from their surrounding bed by accident or by intentional vicious manipulation, did not show structural integrity and nerve-fibre richness comparable to equivalent nerve segments which were kept in their connective bed. Also they required stronger electrical stimulus to produce muscular contraction, than those kept practically undisturbed in their original habitat.…”