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Vein grafts have been used for nerve repair in experimental and clinical studies. However, some concerns about their collapsability and the presence of valves which could block axonal growth have been put forth. We propose a modification to eliminate these potential problems by turning the vein inside out, obtaining an "invaginated" vein graft. We performed an experimental study on 61 adult Wistar rats, divided into 3 groups: control (non-operated) (n = 11); immediate repair, with 3 subgroups: invaginated vein graft (n = 10), vein graft (n = 10), and nerve graft (n = 10); and delayed repair, with 2 subgroups: invaginated vein graft (n = 10) and nerve graft (n = 10). Delayed repair was performed 3 to 4 weeks following division of the nerve. Electromyographical (EMG) assessment was performed in all operated animals at 2, 4, and 6 months after immediate reconstruction, and at 1 and 4 months after delayed repair. At the end of the study, all nerves were excised and a morphometric analysis was performed. We conclude that vein grafts are as useful as nerve grafts in immediate and delayed nerve repair, as there were no significant functional or histologic differences. We found no significant differences between invaginated vein grafts and non-invaginated vein grafts. However, electrophysiological results were slightly superior in the former. Regenerated axons were small, grouped in minifascicles with thin myelin sheaths. The venous adventitia did not interfere with axonal growth.

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The development of a prefabricated free flap that could have potential for tracheal reconstruction has been investigated in the goat model. Through a staged procedure, a composite cutaneous-chondromucosal premolded, prevascularized flap was obtained by prefabrication techniques. The procedure comprised three surgical stages. In the first stage, on day 0, the cartilaginous frame-work was constructed, along with the vascular pedicle (implantation of an arteriovenous fistula as a vascular carrier). In the second stage, on day 50, the inner surface of the neotrachea was lined with nasal mucosa. In the third stage, on day 60, the flap was elevated and free transferred to reconstruct a 15-cm circumferential defect in the cervical trachea. Ten animals were operated on, and the results were one infection, three early deaths, one free-flap failure with early tracheal stenosis, and five long-term survivors without significant stenosis. The structure of the neotracheal flap closely resembled that of the native trachea: internal respiratory epithelial lining, cartilage rings, and fibrovascular tissue. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done to all the animals at 10 and 60 days, revealing no significant stenosis in the long-term survivors.

Pressure sores are a common complication after spinal cord injury. But great advances in their management (nursing care, prevention and surgery) have been made in the last four decades. Neglected pressure ulcers may affect the adjacent joint, leading to septic arthritis.We report a paraplegic patient with a large trochanteric sore with hip arthritis, in whom we performed an upper femoral resection and acetabular curettage (Girdlestone's technique) and coverage with the homolateral vastus lateralis muscle flap in one stage. Some questions pertaining to this operation are discussed and there is a comparison with other ways of management described in the literature.We conclude that a successful outcome with the management of such large sores depends on a radical, aggressive operation to remove all of the affected tissue, and ensure a safe coverage with a reliable, viable muscle flap. The collaboration and the positive attitude of the patient towards the procedure and the result obtained are decisive in preventing recurrences.