L4-to-L4 nerve root transfer for hindlimb hemiplegia after hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

This study explores a new surgical technique, L4-to-L4 nerve root transfer, to improve hindlimb movement in rats with hemiplegia (paralysis) caused by hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). The L4 nerve root, which controls leg muscle movement, is transferred from the healthy side to the affected side to restore function. The researchers created a rat model of HICH-induced hemiplegia and then performed the L4-to-L4 nerve transfer. Over several weeks, they assessed the rats' walking ability and muscle function to determine if the nerve transfer improved their condition. The study found that the L4-to-L4 nerve root transfer improved walking and muscle function in the paralyzed hindlimbs of the rats. This suggests that this surgical technique could be a potential treatment for hemiplegia after HICH.

• 1
  Model rats exhibited improved accuracy on the paretic side over time in beam-walking and ladder rung walking tasks after L4-to-L4 nerve root transfer.
• 2
  Retrograde tracing showed a large number of fluoro-gold-labeled motoneurons in the spinal cord, indicating successful nerve regeneration and connection after the nerve transfer.
• 3
  Electromyography and paw print analysis showed that denervated hindlimb muscles regained reliable innervation and walking coordination improved following the L4-to-L4 nerve root transfer.