BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the causes that lead to secondary damage of the radial nerve and to discuss the results of reconstructive treatment.Material/MethodsThe study group consisted of 33 patients treated for radial nerve palsy after humeral fractures. Patients were diagnosed based on clinical examinations, ultrasonography, electromyography, or nerve conduction velocity. During each operation, the location and type of nerve damage were analyzed. During the reconstructive treatment, neurolysis, direct neurorrhaphy, or reconstruction with a sural nerve graft was used. The outcomes were evaluated using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scales and the quick DASH score.ResultsSecondary radial nerve palsy occurs after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) by plate, as well as by closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) by nail. In the case of ORIF, it most often occurs when the lateral approach is used, as in the case of CRIF with an insertion interlocking screws. The results of the surgical treatment were statistically significant and depended on the time between nerve injury and revision (reconstruction) surgery, type of damage to the radial nerve, surgery treatment, and type of fixation. Treatment results were not statistically significant, depending on the type of fracture or location of the nerve injury.ConclusionsThe potential risk of radial nerve neurotmesis justifies an operative intervention to treat neurological complications after a humeral fracture. Adequate surgical treatment in many of these cases allows for functional recovery of the radial nerve.

The aim of our study was to analyze the anatomy and surgical approach of the rabbit brachial plexus. The research included 18 rabbits. The rabbit seems to be a good experimental model for spinal nerves injury, especially for the C5 and C6 segments. The anatomical structure of the rabbit's brachial plexus is similar to the human brachial plexus. The structure of the rabbit C5 and C6 segments is analogous to the human structure. The spinal nerves of the C5 and C6 segments in the rabbit are wide and long enough for microsurgical procedures.

One of the most devastating injuries to the upper limb is trauma caused by the avulsion. The anatomical structure of the rabbit's brachial plexus is similar to the human brachial plexus. The aim of our study was to analyze the microanatomy and provide a detailed investigation of the rabbit's brachial plexus. The purpose of our research project was to evaluate the possibility of utilizing rabbit's plexus as a research model in studying brachial plexus injury. Studies included histomorphometric analysis of sampled ventral branches of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, and Th1, the cranial trunk, the medial part of the caudal trunk, the lateral part of the caudal trunk and peripheral nerve. Horizontal and vertical analysis was done considering following features: the axon diameter, fiber diameter and myelin sheath. The number of axons, nerve area, myelin fiber density and minimal diameter of myelin fiber, minimal axon diameter and myelin area was marked for each element. The changes between ventral branches of spinal nerves C5-Th1, trunks and peripheral nerve in which the myelin sheath, axon diameter and fiber diameter was assessed were statistically significant. It was found that the g-ratio has close value in the brachial plexus as in the peripheral nerve. The peak of these parameters was found in nerve trunks, and then decreased coherently with the nerves travelling peripherally. Anat Rec, 298:444-454, 2015. V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Key words: brachial plexus; spinal nerve; peripheral nerve; rabbit anatomyAvulsion of ventral branches of spinal nerves C5-Th1 belongs to the most challenging and difficult reconstructive surgery procedures. Trauma caused by the avulsion is one of the most devastating injuries to the upper limb (De S a et al., 2004). To improve the results of surgical treatment the animal model can be a very useful investigative tool. Previous studies focused mainly on rats and were performed on the long branches brachial plexus.

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) in dogs suspected of having cerebellar cortical degeneration (CCD). In the years 2009-2011, six dogs with suspected CCD were examined. Both MRI and BAER examinations revealed abnormalities in all dogs (100%). By MRI, T2-weighted midsagittal images revealed an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the cerebellum within the sulci of the folia in all dogs (100%). In 4 out of the 6 dogs (66.66%), cerebellar hypoplasia was more visible in the region of the dorsal cerebellar lobules. In 5 out of the 6 dogs (83.33%), the fourth ventricle was enlarged. In our studies, the brain to cerebellum ratio evaluated on the midsagittal image was 11.93%, in comparison to 14.9% in normal dogs. By BAER examination, the amplitude of the first and second waves was diminished and III-V interlatency was prolonged in 5 out of the 6 dogs (83.33%). In one out of the 6 dogs (16.67%), only the III-V interlatency was prolonged. In one dog (16.67%), somato-nervous deafness in the left ear was detected, whereas in the right ear the III-V interlatency was prolonged. MRI of the cerebellum is a reliable method for the antemortem diagnosis of CCD in American Staffordshire terriers, as is BAER examination. BAER is an objective diagnostic tool, which - along with other diagnostic modalities - can be helpful in the assessment, management and follow-up of dogs with cerebellar abiotrophy. It proved to be useful in determining the severity of neurological lesions in comparison to MRI findings, as well as in assessing the prognosis.

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