Functional analysis of limb recovery following autograft treatment of volumetric muscle loss in the quadriceps femoris.

ABSTRACT: Severe injuries to the extremities often result in muscle trauma and, in some cases, significant volumetric muscle loss (VML). These injuries continue to be challenging to treat, with few available clinical options, a high rate of complications, and often persistent loss of limb function. To facilitate the testing of regenerative strategies for skeletal muscle, we developed a novel quadriceps VML model in the rat, specifically addressing functional recovery of the limb. Our outcome measures included muscle contractility measurements to assess muscle function and gait analysis for evaluation of overall limb function. We also investigated treatment with muscle autografts, whole or minced, to promote regeneration of the defect area. Our defect model resulted in a loss of muscle function, with

SUBMITTER: Li MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4017006 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature