[Autogenous nerve replantation in situ for prevention and treatment of traumatic neuroma. Laboratory study and clinical application].

The median and ulnar nerves of 30 rabbits were surgically severed and replanted in situ on the right side, but a little segment was resected and left alone on the left side. Periodical examination of the specimen under light and electron microscopes in 24 weeks showed that in the replanted group (right side) the nerve fibers were regularly arranged in order with constant polarity, and the Schwann' cells were intact without signs of neuroma. In the control group (lift side) however, typical neuroma was formed. 30 painful amputation stump neuroma (7 recurrent ones following repeated excisions) in 17 patients were treated by the same method used in the experiment. Follow-up examination within 6-48 months (32.6 mon. on average) showed good and excellent results in 90.0% the neuroma. Four different methods for repairing various neuromas were described, and the cause of the poor result in 2 cases was discussed.