GROUP FASCICULAR VEIN GRAFTS WITH INTERPOSITION OF NERVE SLICES FOR LONG ULNAR NERVE DEFECTS - REPORT OF 3 CASES

Group fascicular vein grafts with interposition of nerve slices were d esigned for reconstruction of three ulnar nerves with defects of 2.5-4 .5 cm. The veins were taken from superficial veins in the forearm and reversed to bridge the fascicles in both stumps. Normal nerve slices w ere sectioned from fascicles in the proximal stump and inserted inside the corresponding vein conduits. Postoperatively, the Tinel's sign wa s detected across the vein conduits, and electromyography showed reinn ervation of intrinsic muscles of the hands. Follow-up for more than 2 years revealed motor recovery to M4 and sensory recovery to S3-S4 in t hese three cases. This technique may be a promising alternative to gro up fascicular nerve grafting for long defects in peripheral nerve trun ks. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.