Mickael Ohana MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Moser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Philippe Liverneaux, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Akli Moussaoui, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stephane Kremer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Louis Dietemann MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To describe the MR and US appearance of peripheral nerve sections following surgical repair using a synthetic scaffold (Neurolac).

We prospectively included 11 patients aged 17-76 years (mean=42), with traumatic sections of the median (n=5), ulnar (n=4), radial (n=3) and tibial (n=1) nerves, located at the elbow (n=7), wrist (n=3) or ankle (n=1). Imaging studies were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively and included US with a high resolution 15 MHz transducer, 3T MRI with high resolution conventional sequences and diffusion tensor imaging with tractography. Images were reviewed and correlated with the surgical report, clinical improvement and electrophysiologic studies when available.

The nerve section and synthetic scaffold were perfectly demonstrated in all cases, allowing precise measurements. At follow-up, we observed progressive bioabsorption of the synthetic scaffold and bridging of the nerve gap with characteristic US and MR features. These modifications were persistent up to 2 years post-surgery. MRI could also demonstrate resolution of nerve degeneration and regrowth of nerve fibers, as materialized by tractography after 6-12 months from surgery. Associated injuries of soft tissue, such as ruptured tendons and amyotrophy, were exquisitely demonstrated by both techniques.

High resolution MR with tractography and US are promising tools for monitoring nerve regeneration and bioabsorption of synthetic scaffolds 6-12 months following surgical repair of traumatic nerve sections.

Our preliminary results suggest that MR imaging may be useful to demonstrate nerve regeneration 6-12 months following surgical repair of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.

Ohana, M, Moser, T, Liverneaux, P, Moussaoui, A, Kremer, S, Dietemann, J, MR and US Imaging of Nerve Section following Surgical Repair Using a Synthetic Scaffold: Preliminary Clinical Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9011949.html