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Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in the expression of growth associated protein–43 (GAP-43) in trigeminal ganglions (TGs) and in the distal stumps of transected inferior alveolar nerves (IANs), and to clarify the relationship between these changes and functional recovery of the transected IAN without repair using a rat IAN axotomy model. Material and methods Following transection, GAP-43 expression was measured at multiple time points. The functional recovery of the transected IAN was evaluated based on the compound muscle action potentials recorded from the digastric muscle. Results GAP-43 expression in TGs was significantly higher at 2, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days following IAN transection compared to that in samples from sham-operated rats (p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005, p = 0.007, and p = 0.023, respectively). GAP-43 expression in the distal stumps of transected IANs was significantly higher at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days following IAN transection compared to that in samples taken from sham rats (p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005, p < 0.0005, and p = 0.009, respectively). GAP-43 expression in the distal stumps of transected IANs returned nearly to sham levels by day 56 following IAN transection. On days 7, 14, 28, and 56 following transection, the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential gradually increased, the latency gradually decreased, and the duration gradually increased. The amplitude, latency, and duration of the compound muscle action potentials nearly returned to sham levels on post-transection day 56. Conclusions Time-dependent changes in the expression of GAP-43 in both TGs and distal stumps of transected IANs without repair are synchronously consistent with the regeneration and functional recovery of the transected IAN. The recovery of the amplitude, latency, and duration of the compound muscle action potentials indicates increased myelination and increased axon density of the regenerated nerve fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Depending on the stage of disease, several operative and non-operative treatment options exist for diabetic patients with Charcot foot deformity. In the early stages of the disease, the most effective treatment is total-contact cast application. In patients with multiple bone fractures and deformations, surgical interventions are generally required for the reconstruction of foot architecture. Exostectomy, osteotomy, arthrodesis, and internal–external fixation are some of these operative methods. However, recurrence of ulcer and infection is very likely following these surgical procedures. If the lesion and infection reach to midfoot and hindfoot region, a major amputation is usually required for treatment. Methods: We have been performing Boyd''s operation for the last 10 years in diabetic foot patients who had complicated lesions in midfoot and hindfoot regions. Furthermore, since 2004, we have been doing the same operation for complicated Charcot foot deformities. So far, we have treated 11 patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.4±10.2 years, and the mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 17.5±7.2 years. All patients had chronic infections with fractures of the tarsal bones for at least 2 years. Durable wound coverage and ankylosis were achieved in all patients with two-staged Boyd''s operation. No recurrence is detected in any of the patients during mean post-operative follow-up period of 2.1±0.8 years. Conclusion: Boyd''s operation is a reliable option for the treatment of patients with late stage Chatcot foot deformity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]