Journal of reconstructive microsurgery
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Feb 2004
ReviewRadiation-induced brachial plexopathy: review. Complication without a cure.
Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, especially the chronic and progressive form, has become an increasingly rare entity in patients receiving radiation therapy to the chest wall and axilla. However, for the patients affected by this pathologic process, the chronic pain, decline in function, and absence of a satisfactory treatment are a continuing challenge to the reconstructive peripheral nerve surgeon. The authors have undertaken a review of the relevant literature addressing radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, and here present a summary of the current understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder.
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Feb 2004
Combined application of human amniotic membrane wrapping and hyaluronic acid injection in epineurectomized rat sciatic nerve.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined application of human amniotic membrane wrapping and hyaluronic acid injection on peripheral nerve scarring in an adult rat model. After circumferential epineurectomies of right sciatic nerves were performed in each of 72 rats, nerves were randomly divided into three groups: (1) nothing was done additional to epineurectomy; (2) the epineurectomized segment was wrapped with human amniotic membrane; and (3) the epineurectomized segment was wrapped with human amniotic membrane and hyaluronic acid was injected inside. ⋯ The least adhesion and perineurial scar tissue were observed in nerves treated with human amniotic membrane wrapping and hyaluronic acid injection. This combination appears to be safe and effective in preventing perineurial scar formation after peripheral nerve surgery in rats.