Brachioradialis tendon transfer and palmaris longus tendon graft for thumb avulsion:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Thumb replantation following complete traumatic avulsion requires complex techniques to restore function,especially in cases of avulsion at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint(MCP I)and avulsion of the flexor pollicis longus(FPL)at the musculotendinous junction.Possible treatments include direct tendon suture or tendon transfer,most commonly from the ring finger.To optimize function and avoid donor finger complications,we performed thumb replantation with flexion restoration using brachioradialis(BR)tendon transfer with palmaris longus(PL)tendon graft.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old left-handed male was admitted for a complete traumatic left thumb amputation following an accident while sliding from the top of a handrail.The patient presented with skin and bone avulsion at the MCP I,avulsion of the FPL tendon at the musculotendinous junction(zone 5),avulsion of the extensor pollicis longus tendon(zone T3),and avulsion of the thumb’s collateral arteries and nerves.The patient was treated with two stage thumb repair.The first intervention consisted of thumb replantation with MCP I arthrodesis,resection of avulsed FPL tendon and implantation of a silicone tendon prosthesis.The second intervention consisted of PL tendon graft and BR tendon transfer.Follow-up at 10 months showed good outcomes with active interphalangeal flexion of 70°,grip strength of 45 kg,key pinch strength of 15 kg and two-point discrimination threshold of 4 mm.CONCLUSION Flexion restoration after complete thumb amputation with FPL avulsion at the musculotendinous junction can be achieved using BR tendon transfer with PL tendon graft.

Clinical implications of reconsideration of enthesitis/enthesopathy/enthesial erosion,as tendon attachmentlocalized avulsions and stress fracture equivalents

Recognizing the mechanical origin of enthesitis/enthesopathy and the avulsion-nature of what had previously been considered erosions,it seems inappropriate to attribute it to stresses related to a person’s normal activities.Conversely,sudden or unconditioned repetitive stresses appears the more likely culprit.Studies of enthesial reaction have lacked standardization as to findings present among individuals who appear to be healthy.Clinical evaluation by palpation and mani-pulation may be as effective as application of radiologic techniques.Recognition of the mechanical nature of the disease,including individuals with inflammatory arthritis suggests prescription of mechanical solutions that reduce stresses across the involved enthesis.

Surgical treatment of an old avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus: A case report

BACKGROUND Avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity is a relatively clinically rare type of trauma that is mainly incurred by adolescents during competitive sports activities.According to previous literature,the most commonly involved sports are soccer,sprinting,and gymnastics,in descending order.Dance-induced avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus is extremely clinically rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a neglected avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus was diagnosed in a young female dancer who complained of pain and restricted movement of her right hip.She stated that she had suffered the injury while performing a split leap during a dance performance 9 mo prior.Eventually,she underwent surgery and obtained satisfactory treatment results.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of these fractures is important to ensuring early proper treatment towards a quicker recovery.For old fractures with nonunion and chronic buttock pain,surgery is a preferred therapeutic choice with good treatment outcomes.

Arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation for tibia avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament:A modified technique and case series

BACKGROUND Tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)are challenging to treat and compromise knee stability and function.Traditional open surgery often requires extensive soft tissue dissection,which may increase the risk of morbidity.In response to these concerns,arthroscopic techniques have been evolving.The aim of this study was to introduce a modified arthroscopic tech-nique utilizing an M-shaped suture fixation method for the treatment of tibial avulsion fractures of the PCL and to evaluate its outcomes through a case series.AIM To evaluate the effects of arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation on treating tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL.METHODS We developed a modified arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation technique for tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL.This case series included 18 patients who underwent the procedure between January 2021 and December 2022.The patients were assessed for range of motion(ROM),Lysholm score and International knee documentation committee(IKDC)score.Postoperative complications were also recorded.RESULTS The patients were followed for a mean of 13.83±2.33 months.All patients showed radiographic union.At the final follow-up,all patients had full ROM and a negative posterior drawer test.The mean Lysholm score significantly improved from 45.28±8.92 preoperatively to 91.83±4.18 at the final follow-up(P<0.001),and the mean IKDC score improved from 41.98±6.06 preoperatively to 90.89±5.32 at the final follow-up(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The modified arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation technique is a reliable and effective treatment for tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL,with excellent fracture healing and functional recovery.

An Information Entropy-Based Methodology to Construct the Avulsion Threshold in the Tail Reach of the Estuarine Alluvial Plain

Channel avulsion is a natural phenomenon that occurs abruptly on alluvial river deltas,which can affect the channel stability.The causes for avulsion could be generally categorized as topography-and flood-driven factors.However,previous studies on avulsion thresholds usually focused on topography-driven factors due to the centurial or millennial avulsion timescales of the world’s most deltas,but neglected the impacts of flood-driven factors.In the current study,a novel demarcation equation including the two driven factors was proposed,with the decadal timescale of avulsion being considered in the Yellow River Estuary(YRE).In order to quantify the contributions of different factors in each category,an entropy-based methodology was used to calculate the contributing weights of these factors.The factor with the highest weight in each category was then used to construct the demarcation equation,based on avulsion datasets associated with the YRE.An avulsion threshold was deduced according to the demarcation equation.This avulsion threshold was then applied to conduct the risk assessment of avulsion in the YRE.The results show that:two dominant factors cover respectively geomorphic coefficient representing the topography-driven factor and fluvial erosion intensity representing the flood-driven factor,which were thus employed to define a two dimensional mathematical space in which the demarcation equation can be obtained;the avulsion threshold derived from the equation was also applied in the risk assessment of avulsion;and the avulsion threshold proposed in this study is more accurate,as compared with the existing thresholds.

Severe liver trauma with complex portal and common bile duct avulsion:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Given its size and location,the liver is the third most injured organ by abdominal trauma.Thanks to recent advances,it is unanimously accepted that the nonoperative management is the current mainstay of treatment for hemodynamically stable patients.However,those patients with hemodynamic instability that generally present with severe liver trauma associated with major vascular lesions will require surgical management.Moreover,an associated injury of the main bile ducts makes surgery compulsory even in the case of hemodynamic stability,thereby imposing therapeutic challenges in the tertiary referral hepato-biliopancreatic centers’setting.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 38-year-old male patient with The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade V liver injury and an associated right branch of portal vein and common bile duct avulsion,due to a crush polytrauma.The patient was referred to the nearest emergency hospital and because of the hemorrhagic shock,damage control surgery was performed by means of ligation of the right portal vein branch and right hepatic artery,and hemostatic packing.Afterwards,the patient was referred immediately to our tertiary hepato-bilio-pancreatic center.We performed depacking,a right hepatectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.On the 9th postoperative day,the patient developed a high output anastomotic bile leak that required a redo of the cholangiojejunostomy.The postoperative period was marked by a surgical incision site of incomplete evisceration that was managed non-operatively by negative wound pressure.The follow-up was optimal,with no complications at 55 mo.CONCLUSION In conclusion,the current case clearly supports that a favorable outcome in severe liver trauma with associated vascular and biliary injuries is achieved thru proper therapeutic management,conducted in a tertiary referral hepato-bilio-pancreatic center,where a stepwise and complex surgical approach is mandatory.

Osteochondroma formation after avulsion fracture of anterior inferior iliac spine:A case report

BACKGROUNDHip avulsion fractures occur mostly during adolescence when actions such askicking or running cause forceful contraction of attached muscle.Osteochondroma is benign tumor that mostly occurs at the metaphysis of a longbone, being usually asymptomatic.CASE SUMMARYA 15-year-old patient experienced feeling and sound of a break while kicking aball in soccer game three years prior to his visit to our hospital. A simple X-rayrevealed an avulsion fracture of the apophysis of the anterior inferior iliac spine(AIIS). Later in the follow-up X-ray, a palpable mass was found and demonstratedby magnetic resonance imaging to be a pedunculated osteochondroma in thesuperolateral aspect of the AIIS. For surgical treatment, we performed osteotomyfor surgical excision and excisional biopsy. A mass with smooth surface and anunclear superolateral AIIS border was found intraoperatively. Pathologic examshowed definite diagnosis of osteochondroma. Postoperatively, discomfort duringhip flexion was improved, and the hip joint range of motion during walking wasrecovered at the last follow-up, which was three weeks after the surgery.CONCLUSIONThis is a rare case to demonstrate relevant previous trauma history prior to theformation of osteochondroma.

Effect of lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha delivered by pluronic F-127 hydrogel on brachial plexus avulsion in rats

Brachial plexus avulsion often results in massive motor neuron death and severe functional deficits of target muscles. However, no satisfactory treatment is currently available. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α is a critical molecule targeting several genes associated with ischemia-hypoxia damage and angiogenesis. In this study, a rat model of brachial plexus avulsion-reimplantation was established, in which C5–7 ventral nerve roots were avulsed and only the C6 root reimplanted. Different implants were immediately injected using a microsyringe into the avulsion-reimplantation site of the C6 root post-brachial plexus avulsion. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: phosphate-buffered saline, negative control of lentivirus, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentivirus), gel(pluronic F-127 hydrogel), and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(pluronic F-127 hydrogel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentivirus). The Terzis grooming test was performed to assess recovery of motor function. Scores were higher in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel +hypoxia-inducible factor 1α groups(in particular the gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α group) compared with the phosphate-buffered saline group. Electrophysiology, fluorogold retrograde tracing, and immunofluorescent staining were further performed to investigate neural pathway reconstruction and changes of neurons, motor endplates, and angiogenesis. Compared with the phosphate-buffered saline group, action potential latency of musculocutaneous nerves was markedly shortened in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor1α groups. Meanwhile, the number of fluorogold-positive cells and ChAT-positive neurons, neovascular area(labeled by CD31 around av ulsed sites in ipsilateral spinal cord segments), and the number of motor endplates in biceps brachii(identified by α-bungarotoxin) were all visibly increased, as well as the morphology of motor endplate in biceps brachil was clear in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α groups. Taken together, delivery of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentiviral vectors mediated by pluronic F-127 effectively promotes spinal root regeneration and functional recovery post-brachial plexus avulsion. All animal procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guangdong Medical University, China.

Therapeutic effect of two methods on avulsion fracture of tibial insertion of anterior cruciate ligament

BACKGROUND The tibial stop of anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is fan-shaped and attached to the medial groove in front of the intercondylar spine,which is located between the anterior horn of the medial and lateral meniscus.The incidence of this fracture is low previously reported,which is common in children and adolescents.With the increase of sports injury and traffic injury and the deepening of understanding,it is found that the incidence of the disease is high at present.AIM To explore the difference between open reduction and internal fixation with small incision and high-intensity non-absorbable suture under arthroscopy in the treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of ACL.METHODS Seventy-six patients with tibial avulsion fracture of anterior cruciate ligament diagnosed and treated in Guanyun County People’s Hospital from April 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the surgical methods,they were divided into group A(40 cases) and group B(36 cases).Patients in group A were treated with arthroscopic high-strength non-absorbable suture,and patients in group B were treated with small incision open reduction and internal fixation.The operation time,fracture healing time,knee joint activity and functional score before and after operation,and surgical complications of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The operation time of group A was higher than that of group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P < 0.05);the fracture healing time of group A was compared with that of group B,and the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05);The knee joint function activity was compared between two groups before operation,3 mo and 6 mo after operation,and the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05);the knee joint function activity of group A and group B at 3 mo and 6 mo after operation was significantly higher than that before operation(P < 0.05);the limp,support,lock,instability,swelling,upstairs,squatting,pain and Lysholm score were compared between the two groups before and 6 mo after operation,and the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05);the scores of limp,support,lock,instability,swelling,upstairs,squatting,pain and Lysholm in group A and group B at 6 mo after operation were significantly higher than those before operation(P > 0.05);the surgical complication rate of group A was 2.63%,which was lower than 18.42% of group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION Both small incision open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic high-strength nonabsorbable sutures can achieve good results in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fractures.The operation time of arthroscopic high-strength non-absorbable sutures is slightly longer,but the complication rate is lower.

Valproic acid protects neurons and promotes neuronal regeneration after brachial plexus avulsion

Valproic acid has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and promote neurite outgrowth in several peripheral nerve injury models. However, whether valproic acid can exert its beneficial effect on neurons after brachial plexus avulsion injury is currently unknown. In this study, brachial plexus root avulsion models, established in Wistar rats, were administered daily with valproic acid dis-solved in drinking water （300 mg/kg） or normal water. On days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after avulsion injury, tissues of the C 5-T 1 spinal cord segments of the avulsion injured side were harvested to in-vestigate the expression of Bcl-2, c-Jun and growth associated protein 43 by real-time PCR and western blot assay. Results showed that valproic acid significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2 and growth associated protein 43, and reduced the c-Jun expression after brachial plexus avulsion. Our findings indicate that valproic acid can protect neurons in the spinal cord and enhance neuronal regeneration fol owing brachial plexus root avulsion.

Surgical treatment for a combined anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture: A case report

BACKGROUND Independent avulsion fractures with anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)or posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)attachment are relatively common among tibial intercondylar eminence fractures,and their postoperative outcomes are generally favorable.Conversely,huge avulsion fractures of the intercondylar eminence containing the attachment site of both the ACL and the PCL are extremely rare,and the reported clinical outcomes are poor.CASE SUMMARY We describe a 30-year-old Japanese male's huge avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence of a tibia containing the attachment site of both the ACL and PCL,together with a complete tear of the medial collateral ligament and a partial tear of both the medial and lateral menisci caused by a fall from a high place.All of these injuries were treated surgically,with anatomical reduction and stable fixation.The limb function at 1 year post-surgery was excellent(Lysholm score:100 points).CONCLUSION Although this patient's complete surgical repair was complex,it should be performed in similar cases for an excellent final clinical outcome.

Spinal root avulsion:an excellent model for studying motoneuron degeneration and regeneration after severe axonal injury

Spinal root avulsion is an excellent model for studying the re- sponse of motoneurons to severe injury to their axons （Koliat- sos et al., 1994）. In this model （‘Avulsion Model＇）, spinal roots are torn off from spinal cord without removing the vertebra at different levels of spinal segments, usually at cervical and lum- bar segments. Step-by-step procedures are described in detail elsewhere （Chu and Wu, 2009）. The Avulsion Model resembles very well brachial plexus injuries in human beings. Around 70% of severe brachial plexus injuries in human involved avulsion of one or more roots （Narakas, 1985） and the main causes of traumatic brachial plexus injuries were motor vehicle accidents, sport injuries and difficult deliveries （Terzis et al., 2001）. The Avulsion Model involves injury to both central nervous system （CNS） and peripheral nervous system （PNS） while nerve axoto- my, transection and crush injuries only involve PNIS.

Tibial tuberosity avulsion-fracture associated with complete distal rupture of the patellar tendon:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Few cases of avulsion fractures of the tibial tuberosity with simultaneous rupture of the patellar tendon have been reported in the literature.Therefore,its mechanism and incidence have not been determined conclusively.This type of fracture is considered a serious injury that requires prompt diagnosis and early surgical repair.There is no therapeutic algorithm or standard method of treatment due to the infrequency of the injury.In this case report,we conducted an exhaustive review and synthesis of the existing literature including all previously reported cases.CASE SUMMARY We present a 16-year-old male soccer player with a case of a tibial tuberosity fracture with distal avulsion of the patellar tendon 5 d prior to surgical treatment.The patient presented with a loss of the extensor mechanism of the knee,edema,the inability to walk,and pain.X-rays showed a high patella and a 180-degree avulsion of the tibial tuberosity.The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture with a cannulated screw and washer as well as patellar tendon repair with two metallic anchors.The rehabilitation protocol consisted of initial immobilization in extension followed by passive mobility and muscle strengthening exercises.The patient demonstrated excellent postoperative outcomes and returned to regular activity without complications.CONCLUSION This case presentation and literature review comprise the most relevant clinical,radiographic,and treatment details described in the international literature to date,providing the reader with an overview of this rare condition.

Improved C_(3-4) transfer for treatment of root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk Animal experiments and clinical application

Experimental rats with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were treated with the improved C34 transfer for neurotization of 05-6. Results showed that Terzis grooming test scores were significantly increased at 6 months after treatment, the latency of C5-6 motor evoked potential was gradually shortened, and the amplitude was gradually increased. The rate of C3 instead of C5 and the C4 ＋ phrenic nerve instead of C6 myelinated nerve fibers crossing through the anastomotic stoma was approximately 80%. Myelinated nerve fibers were arranged loosely but the thickness of the myelin sheath was similar to that of the healthy side. In clinical applications, 39 patients with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were followed for 6 months to 4.5 years after treatment using the improved C3 instead of C5 nerve root transfer and C4 nerve root and phrenic nerve instead of C6 nerve root transfer. Results showed that the strength of the brachial biceps and deltoid muscles recovered to level IIHV, scapular muscle to level Ill-W, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles to above level Ⅲ, and the brachial triceps muscle to level 0 Ill. Results showed that the improved 03-4 transfer for root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk in animal models is similar to clinical findings and that C3-4 and the phrenic nerve transfer for neurotization of C5-6 can innervate the avulsed brachial plexus upper trunk and promote the recovery of nerve function in the upper extremity.

Penile erectile dysfunction after brachial plexus root avulsion injury in rats

Our previous studies have demonstrated that some male patients suffering from brachial plexus injury, particularly brachial plexus root avulsion, show erectile dysfunction to varying degrees. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the erectile function after establishing brachial plexus root avulsion models with or without spinal cord injury in rats. After these models were established, we administered apomorphine （via a sub- cutaneous injection in the neck） to observe changes in erectile function. Rats subjected to simple brachial plexus root avulsion or those subjected to brachial plexus root avulsion combined with spinal cord injury had significantly fewer erections than those subjected to the sham operation. Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase did not change in brachial plexus root avulsion rats. However, neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression was significantly decreased in brachial plexus root avulsion ＋ spinal cord injury rats. These findings suggest that a decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the penis may play a role in erectile dysfunction caused by the combi- nation of brachial plexus root avulsion and spinal cord injury.

Differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells in adult versus neonatal rats after brachial plexus root avulsion injury

An experimental model of brachial plexus root avulsion injury of cervical dorsal C5-6 was established in adult and neonatal rats.Real-time PCR showed that the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3 in adult rats increased rapidly 1 day after brachial plexus root avulsion injury,and then gradually decreased to normal levels by 21 days.In neonatal rats,levels of the three neurotrophic factors were decreased on the first day after injury,and then gradually increased from the seventh day and remained at high levels for an extended period of time.We observed that greater neural plasticity contributed to better functional recovery in neonatal rats after brachial plexus root avulsion injury compared with adult rats.Moreover, immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of bromodeoxyuridine/nestin-positive cells increased significantly in the spinal cords of the adult rats compared with neonatal rats after brachial plexus root avulsion injury.In addition,the number of bromodeoxyuridine/glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells in adult rats was significantly higher than in neonatal rats 14 and 35 days after brachial plexus injury.Bromodeoxyuridine/β-tubulin-positive cells were not found in either adult or neonatal rats.These results indicate that neural stem cells differentiate mainly into astrocytes after brachial plexus root avulsion injury.Furthermore,the degree of neural stem cell differentiation in neonatal rats was lower than in adult rats.

Effects of C_8 ventral root avulsion or transection on spinal alpha motoneurons in adult rats A qualitative light and electron microscopic study

BACKGROUND： Nerve root avulsion is a frequent finding in patients with brachial plexus injury following road traffic accidents or as a result of severe arm traction during complicated deliveries. This injury constitutes a challenging clinical and surgical problem. The morphological characteristics of motoneurons after nerve root avulsion deserve further analysis. OBJECTIVE： To study the different morphological changes of α-motoneurons under light and electron microscopy after C8 spinal ventral rootlets avulsion and transection at various stages. DESIGN： Controlled animal study. SETTING： Department of Anatomy, King Faisal University. MATERIALS： The experiment was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Faisal University between January 2005 and March 2006. Six adult Sprague Dawley rats weighing 200-350 g, irrespective of gender, were used for this study. The animals were bred at the animal house, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, and fed on rat maintenance diet. Water and standard diet were supplied ad libitum. Animal interventions were carried out according to animal ethical standards. METHODS： Three animals were randomly chosen for avulsion of the right ventral rootlets of C8 spinal nerves. The other three received transection of the right ventral rootlets of C8 spinal nerves. ①Avulsion experiment： After rats were anesthetized, the right ventral rootlets of C8 spinal nerves were identified. The ventral rootlets were avulsed from the spinal cord by traction with a fine hook （Fine Science Tools Inc., No. 10031-13, Germany）. Traction was exerted in a direction parallel to the course of the spinal root. Under the operating microscope, the C8 segment was exactly located. After checking the successfulness of the surgical procedure, the C8 segment was separated from the spinal cord. The outcome of the avulsion procedure was as follows： two animals had true avulsion, i.e., no remaining stump was attached to the spinal cord surface. One rat had a stump still attached. The animal was sacrificed I week later and was included in the transaction experiment for analysis. ②Transection experiment： Using fine scissors, the ventral rootlets were transected close to the area of the right ventral rootlets junction with the dorsal rootlets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After the rats were anesthetized, C8 spinal cord segments were collected for the avulsion experiment from 2 rats, 1 rat, and I rat at weeks 1, 4, and 8, respectively, and from 1 rat each after 4 and 8 weeks in the transection experiment. The morphology of α -motoneurons was observed under light microscopic and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS： All six rats were included in the final analysis. ①Avulsion experiment： α-motoneurons of the C8 spinal segment were found to survive avulsion injury up to 4 weeks. Thereafter, signs of degeneration occurred in a gradual process, involving first the most anterior motoneurons and probably proceeding posterior in a zonal pattern. A clear reduction in motoneuron size was noted. The largest cell body detected was smaller than the control. Nuclei were rounded and central. Nissl substance appeared granular and was dispersed over the cytoplasm, and the α -motoneurons were of normal electron density. At 8 weeks, three zones were observed in the ventral horn. The anterior zone was the most affected and showed intensely basophilic shrunken motoneurons. Nearly all nuclei were centrally located, but were irregular in outline. ②Transection experiment： one week after ventral root transection, nuclei were slightly eccentric and irregular in outline, but of normal size. Nucleolar vacuolation was observed in several neurons, and the ultrastructure of the chromatolytic Nissl bodies （NBs） showed disorganized arrangement of rough endoplasmic reticulum （rER） cisternae. The motoneuron cell bodies were of regular shape and size at week 4. Nuclei returned to their normal central location and contour. Many lipofuscin granules and lysosomes were observed in the motoneuron cytoplasm, α-motoneurons appeared to have normal cell bodies; the nuclei were perfectly round, but slightly enlarged with enlarged nucleoli at week 8. There was almost complete recovery of the α-motoneurons. CONCLUSION： α-motoneurons of the C8 spinal segment can survive in the right ventral root in rats after transection at the right ventral rootlets junction to the dorsal rootlets, α-motoneurons of the C8 spinal segment in rats can survive for 4 weeks after avulsion injury. Thereafter, signs of degeneration occur, and the degenerative process proceeds in a zonal pattern.

Functional reconstruction following brachial plexus root avulsion

OBJECTIVE： To sum up the treatment of brachial plexus root avulsion and the progress in functional reconstruction and rehabilitation following brachial plexus root avulsion. DATA SOURCES： A search of Medline was performed to select functional reconstruction and rehabilitation following brachial plexus injury-related English articles published between January 1990 and July 2006, with key words of ＂brachial plexus injury, reconstruction and rehabilitation＂. Meanwhile, a computer-based search of CBM was carried out to select the similar Chinese articles published between January 1998 and July 2006, with key words of ＂brachial plexus injury, reconstruction and rehabilitation＂. STUDY SELECTION： The materials were checked primarily, and the literatures of functional reconstruction and rehabilitation of brachial plexus injury were selected and the full texts were retrieved. Inclusive criteria： ①Functional reconstruction following brachial plexus injury. ②Rehabilitation method of brachial plexus injury. Exclusive criteria： Reviews, repetitive study, and Meta analytical papers. DATA EXTRACTION： Forty-six literatures about functional reconstruction following brachial plexus injury were collected, and 36 of them met the inclusive criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS： Brachial plexus injury causes the complete or incomplete palsy of muscle of upper extremity. The treatment of brachial plexus is to displace not very important nerves to the distal end of very important nerve, called nerve transfer, which is an important method to treat brachial plexus injury. Postoperative rehabilitations consist of sensory training and motor functional training. It is very important to keep the initiativeness of exercise. Besides recovering peripheral nerve continuity by operation, combined treatment and accelerating neural regeneration, active motors of cerebral cortex is also the important factor to reconstruct peripheral nerve function. CONCLUSION： Consciously and actively strengthening functional exercise after operation is helpful to form cerebral plasticity and produce voluntary movements, can re-educate re-dominated muscle, obviously improves postoperative therapeutic effect and promote functional reconstruction.

Preconditioning crush increases the survival rate of motor neurons after spinal root avulsion

In a previous study, heat shock protein 27 was persistently upregulated in ventral motor neurons following nerve root avulsion or crush. Here, we examined whether the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 would increase the survival rate of motor neurons. Rats were divided into two groups： an avulsion-only group （avtflsion of the L4 lumbar nerve root only） and a crush-avulsion group （the L4 lumbar nerve root was crushed 1 week prior to the avulsion）. Immunofluores- cent staining revealed that the survival rate of motor neurons was significantly greater in the crush-avulsion group than in the avulsion-only group, and this difference remained for at least 5 weeks after avulsion. The higher neuronal survival rate may be explained by the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 expression in motor neurons in the crush-avulsion group. Further- more, preconditioning crush greatly attenuated the expression of nitric oxide synthase in the motor neurons. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective action of preconditioning crush is mediated through the upregulation of heat shock protein 27 expression and the attenuation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase upregulation following avulsion.

Long-term results of extended Boari flap technique for management of complete ureteral avulsion:A case report

BACKGROUND Ureteroscopy is well-established as a primary treatment modality for urolithiasis.Ureteral avulsion,particularly complete or full-length avulsion with a resultant long segment of the ureter left attached to the ureteroscope,is a rare but devastating complication of the procedure.Management of this complication is challenging.Moreover,general consensus regarding the optimal management is undetermined.We report our experience of managing a complete ureteral avulsion case via an extended Boari flap technique with long-term results.CASE SUMMARY A 41-year-old female patient subjected to complete ureteral avulsion caused by ureteroscopy was referred to our hospital.A modified,extended Boari flap technique was successfully performed to repair the full-length ureteral defect.Maximal mobilization of the bladder and affected kidney followed by psoas hitch and downward nephropexy maximized the probability of a tension-free anastomosis.Meticulous blood supply preservation to the flap also contributed to the success.During the 4-year study period,no complications except for a mild urinary frequency and a slightly lower maximum urinary flow rate were reported.The patient was satisfied with the surgical outcomes.CONCLUSION The extended Boari flap procedure is a feasible and preferred technique to manage complete ureteral avulsion,particularly in emergencies.