Biomedical subjects

T E Hems

Publications and source records attributed to T E Hems.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

The use of coaxially aligned freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autografts in the repair of the cauda equina--in the sheep.

The aim was to develop a model for study of nerve regeneration in nerve roots above the level of the dorsal root ganglion and to investigate the use of freeze-thawed muscle autografts for repair of nerve roots at this level. Four adult sheep were used for the experiment. A laminectomy was performed at the lumbosacral junction and the S2 root identified. Both the dorsal and ventral S2 roots were divided unilaterally within the dura and a freeze-thawed muscle graft was inserted into the nerve gap. When assessed at 6 months an action potential was recordable from the ventral root in one sheep. Histological examination of the nerve roots showed evidence of regeneration across the graft in the ventral roots of all the sheep and the dorsal roots of some. This preliminary work indicates a capacity for regeneration of the cauda equina and that freeze-thawed muscle can support this. It provides a useful model for further study of nerve root repair.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Comparison of different methods of repair of long peripheral nerve defects: an experimental study.

In order to compare the performance of free nerve grafts, vascularised nerve grafts, and freeze-thawed muscle autografts for the repair of long nerve defects an experimental study was undertaken in the rabbit peroneal nerve. 5 cm defects were repaired using each method. Recovery of function was assessed after 250 days using sensory and motor physiology, and histological examination of the nerve. Reliable recovery occurred with both types of nerve graft but not with muscle grafts. Vascularised nerve grafts performed better than free nerve grafts on all parameters measured but this only reached statistical significance for sensory receptive areas and myelinated fibre diameters distal to the grafts. The role of each method of repair in peripheral nerve surgery is reviewed.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autografts used for brachial plexus repair in the non-human primate.

An experimental study undertaken in the marmoset is reported. A defect in the lateral cord of the brachial plexus was repaired with a longitudinally aligned freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autograft. Recovery was assessed after one year using sensory and motor electrophysiological and also histological examination of the nerve. The results show that this is a satisfactory method of peripheral nerve repair in the marmoset. It is suggested that the technique may be applicable to repair of the human brachial plexus.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Prevention of hand injuries in cycle accidents.

More than one fifth of patients in a group involved in cycle crashes sustained hand injuries. The average time off work as a result of the hand injury in our study was 17.6 days. The number and severity of hand injuries would be reduced by the wearing of proper gloves and this is recommended. The gloves currently sold as "cycling" gloves are not adequate.

Abbreviated Injury Scale↗

PubMed1992

Repair of cervical nerve roots proximal to the root ganglia. An experimental study in sheep.

An experimental model was established to investigate the possibility of repairing cervical nerve roots damaged above the dorsal root ganglion, as occurs in traction injuries of the brachial plexus. In four sheep the C6 root was divided and repaired within the dura using freeze-thawed muscle grafts. Recovery was assessed after eight months by electrophysiology and histology. Action potentials were recorded distal to the grafts in all four sheep, indicating regeneration of motor fibres. Histological examination showed regenerated fibres in the ventral roots below the grafts in all cases. These fibres could be traced distally to the brachial plexus. There was no evidence of recovery of dorsal roots.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1990

Cosmetic surgery for Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

A case of Cornelia de Lange syndrome is presented in which modern plastic surgery was used to reduce excessive facial hair. Hairless forehead skin was enlarged using a tissue expander and earlobes were resurfaced.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

The repair of large peripheral nerves using skeletal muscle autografts: a comparison with cable grafts in the sheep femoral nerve.

Recovery of morphological characteristics was compared in the femoral nerves of sheep at varying times up to 10 months after nerve repair. Groups of sheep receiving coaxially aligned freeze-thawed skeletal muscle autografts were compared with those receiving three-strand cable grafts made from autogenous cutaneous nerve. At all times after implantation more nerve fibres could be counted distal to the muscle grafts than distal to cable grafts. Indices of nerve fibre maturation were indistinguishable between the two groups at 10 months. The results are discussed in relation to the possible use of the technique for repairing large mixed nerves.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Torsion of an accessory spleen in an elderly patient.

Torsion of an accessory spleen is recognized as a rare cause of acute abdominal pain in childhood. A case is reported which, however, is unusual in that it occurred in a patient of 75, who had had no previous symptoms which might have suggested the presence of an accessory spleen.

Abdomen, Acute↗