Vein conduits with interposition of nerve tissue for peripheral nerve defects.

Vein conduits with interposition of autogenous nerve tissue were used in 16 peripheral nerves to reconstruct defects of between 2.0 and 5.8 cm. This technique was applied in nine digital nerves, four ulnar nerves, two median nerves, and one radial sensory nerve. A single vein conduit was used in digital nerve defects and two or three vein segments were used in defects of nerve trunks. Nerve tissue was sectioned from the proximal nerve stump and inserted inside the vein conduits. Follow-up of 2.5 to 3.5 years has revealed motor recovery to M4 in three nerves, M3+ in three, M2 in one nerve, and sensory recovery to S4 in two nerves, S3+ in five, S3 in four, S2+ in three and S0 in two nerves. Signs of muscle reinnervation of the repaired nerves were noted on electromyography. Two digital nerves with defects of over 5.0 cm did not show any signs of sensory recovery. Sectioning and placement of autogenous nerve tissue is thought to create fresh and additional sources for the release of neurotropic factors, and may serve to convey the neurotropic effect over a longer distance. This clinical study suggests that vein conduits with the interposition of nerve tissue is a practical and reliable procedure for nerve defects between 2.0 cm and 4.5 cm.