Augmented Functioning Free Muscle Transplantation (A-FFMT)-Experimental Rat Study

Background: Functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT) is an advanced microneurovascular technique which has been now popularly used to restore functional deficit(s) especially in limbs. However, so far no one uses the technique of FFMT on a normal subject for either functional and/or aesthetic purposes. We called here the additional FFMT for augmentation purpose as ”Augmented FFMT (A-FFMT)”. No one knows the effect of the A-FFMT on the normal limb. Will the A-FFMT promote or interfere with limb function? If the A-FFMT is proven not only to achieve an aesthetic purpose, but also to promoting functional strength, it will be a new application for the FFMT. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and potentiality of the A-FFMT in a normal limb through the experimental rat study. Material and Methods: A biceps muscle from one Lewis inbred rat was harvested and transferred to the arm of another healthy Lewis inbred rat. The ulnar nerve was used as the neurotizer. The procedure was the same as a routine FFMT. Ten rats which received augmented biceps muscle transplantation were evaluation six months after surgery. Outcome measurements included arm circumference, electrophysiological studies, elbow flexion force (individual and combined biceps contraction force), and muscle mass. The non-operative limb was used as the control. Results: All outcome measurements revealed that the augmented biceps resulted in significantly increased size and function of the operative limb without interfering with the original biceps. Conclusion: An A-FFMT can enhance the original muscle not only in size but also in function. Our study demonstrates the possibility and potentiality of using an A-FFMT for ”functional” and ”aesthetic” purposes in a normal subject.