Vlad Tereshenko

Scopus Publications

Trapezius fascia reveals mechanosensory capacity and predominance of nociceptive axons in occipital neuralgia
Vlad Tereshenko, Merel H. J. Hazewinkel, Madison R. Hussey, Katya Remy, Charles D Hwang, Giulia L. E. Mönnink, Michael C. McCormack, Lisa Gfrerer, William G Austen
Scientific Reports, 2026
Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a complex and painful condition that presents significant clinical challenges, often resistant to conventional treatments. This study focuses on the trapezius fascia’s role in ON, exploring its neural and mechanosensitive properties. We conducted a detailed analysis of the trapezius fascia in 18 patients with ON and ten control patients using specific molecular markers (PGP9.5, S100, CGRP, TH and Piezo2). Our findings reveal a rich neural composition within the fascia, characterized by heterogenous tissues that include abundant collagen, vasculature, and diverse neural components. Notably, both myelinated and non-myelinated axonal populations were identified, with a significant presence of sympathetic nerve fibers (tyrosine hydroxylase-positive) in ON patients but absent in controls. Mechanosensitive entities resembling cutaneous mechanoreceptors such as Pacinian- and Ruffini-like corpuscles were also observed, highlighting the fascia’s capacity for mechanosensation, which could contribute to pain perception in ON. Crucially, we observed a 71% increase in the nociceptive axonal population in ON patients compared to controls, suggesting a profound alteration in nociceptive signaling pathways and peripheral sensitization. This alteration was underscored by the marked upregulation of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) specifically within neural components of the fascia, indicating a potential mechanism for the observed pain sensitization. These alterations were not significantly influenced by the presence of neck injuries, indicating other underlying pathophysiological mechanisms at play. The study underscores the trapezius fascia’s critical role not only in biomechanical support but also in neuromuscular communication and pathological pain processing in occipital neuralgia. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of ON and may guide future therapeutic strategies targeting these underlying mechanisms for more effective management of the condition.
A novel contralateral ulnar nerve transfer model for selective muscle reinnervation in upper motor neuron syndrome
Olga Politikou, Silvia Muceli, Leopold Harnoncourt, Florian Jaklin, Vlad Tereshenko, Udo Maierhofer, Matthias Luft, Christopher Festin, Gregor Laengle, Johanna Klepetko, Laurenz Pflaum, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Neural Regeneration Research, 2026
Abstract Stroke and traumatic brain injury lead to upper motor neuron syndrome, which is characterized by muscle spasticity or paresis of varying severity depending on the lesion’s location and extent. Current treatments are mostly symptomatic with limited efficacy and significant side effects. Nerve transfer techniques, such as the contralateral L4 ventral root transfer in animal models and C7 root transfer in both animal and clinical studies, have been shown to reduce spasticity and improve function in upper motor neuron syndrome; however, they lack selectivity. Our hypothesis is that using a selective peripheral donor nerve from the contralateral side, rather than the entire nerve root, may represent an effective nerve transfer and provide a robust basis for future research on selective muscle reinnervation in upper motor neuron syndrome. Ten rats underwent a contralateral ulnar-to-ulnar nerve transfer procedure. Electrophysiological measurements were conducted twelve weeks post-surgery to assess successful reinnervation of the contralateral flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Additionally, muscle biopsies of the reinnervated flexor carpi ulnaris were harvested to examine the muscle fiber type composition, cross-sectional area, and collagen content as well as compare them to naive counterparts. Axon quantification of the reinnervated nerves was also performed. All rats recovered uneventfully, maintaining the use of both paws post-surgery. Electrophysiological tests confirmed the successful reinnervation of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Muscle fiber type composition, cross-sectional area, and collagen content did not show statistically significant changes. Axon counts indicated successful nerve regeneration without architectural disruption. In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate this novel contralateral nerve transfer model’s feasibility, reproducibility, and safety as well as achieve effective muscle reinnervation. This model provides a valuable tool for further research on selective muscle reinnervation and treatment of upper motor neuron syndrome, with potential implications for improving clinical outcomes in stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.
Directed functional reinnervation to curb nociception and enable sensation
Lillian Zhu, Benjamin R. Johnston, Vlad Tereshenko, Joshua D. Bernstock, Sabrina C. Liu, Alexander M. Madinger, Patrick M. Pariseau, Arriyan S. Dowlatshahi, Kyle R. Eberlin, Shriya S. Srinivasan
Iscience, 2026
Peripheral nerve injuries lead to diminished function and pain via nociplastic phenomena. We propose a new strategy called directed functional reinnervation, in which nerves are reassigned to new peripheral targets with the intention of altering circuit function. Here, we redirect the saphenous sensory nerve into a skeletal muscle graft to curb nociplasticity and provide benign sensations or useful inputs for prosthetic applications. Electrophysiological functional characterization demonstrated robust afferent responses to mechanical stimulation of the muscle. Immunofluorescence staining indicated widespread innervation of various synapses within the muscle graft. With immediate graft placement, the injured nerve's dorsal root ganglia revealed comparable levels of nociceptive markers to uninjured nerves, suggesting a molecular basis for the prevention of pain sensitization. These findings contribute to the mechanism by which skeletal muscle grafts alleviate neuropathic pain and can be used as a sensory transmitter in conjunction with neural interfaces.
Application of Microgravity Experiments in Plastic Surgery: A Literature Review
Jonathan Cornacchini, Yanis Berkane, Vlad Tereshenko, Olivier Camuzard, Alexandre G. Lellouch, Elise Lupon
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2025
Background: Interest in microgravity is growing in the medical and surgical fields. This literature review aims to synthesize existing evidence on microgravity applications in plastic surgery, focusing on experimental methods, outcomes, and prospects. Methods: All reported articles up to October 2023, including publications and news reports, were screened for inclusion using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The PubMed keywords and Boolean operators were “plastic surgery AND microgravity,” “plastic surgery AND spaceflight,” “wound healing AND microgravity,” “skin aging AND microgravity,” “skin cancer AND microgravity,” and “melanoma AND microgravity.” Results: A total of 201 articles were identified, and 14 studies were included. Plastic surgery procedures can be performed under microgravity, resulting in a delayed wound healing process. Four studies demonstrated that microgravity could reduce skin thickness and modify cell metabolism. In 2 studies, neoplastic melanoma cells have shown behavioral modifications under microgravity with induced apoptosis but increased potential for metastasis. Conclusions: Microgravity represents a unique environment with potential implications in plastic surgery, although further rigorous studies need to be conducted in humans. The anticipated rise and development of spaceflights render the study of biological changes in space an impactful and significant topic.
Reimbursement for Neuroma Surgery Over the Past Decade
Stephen A. Stearns, Noah M. Raizman, Floris V. Raasveld, Vlad Tereshenko, Lisa Gfrerer, Ian L. Valerio, Jonathan M. Winograd, Kyle R. Eberlin
Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2025
Purpose This study aimed to determine how Medicare physician reimbursements for operations related to symptomatic neuromas have changed over the past decade. Methods This retrospective review uses the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Look-up Tool to access reimbursement rates for common peripheral nerve surgeries. Six CPT codes frequently used to bill for neuroma excision, burying in muscle, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), and regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) procedures were identified as representative of the peripheral nerve operations to treat symptomatic neuromas. Physician reimbursement rates were gathered from 2014 to 2024, with gross and inflation-adjusted changes in reimbursement calculated. Results For each included peripheral nerve procedure, there was a significant decrease in Medicare physician reimbursement both with and without inflation adjustments. CPT 64905 (for TMR) decreased 30%; CPT 64787 and 15769 (for intramuscular burying and RPNI) decreased 31% and 21%; and CPT 64784, 64782, and 64774 (for neuroma excision) decreased 28%, 26%, and 24%, respectively (all inflation-adjusted), with an average compound annual growth rate of −3.6%. For every 100 neuroma operations in 2014, surgeons in 2018 needed to perform an additional 5.6 to be reimbursed at equal levels. In 2024, surgeons need to perform an additional 27 operations for every 100 to be reimbursed equivalently as 5 years prior. Conclusions There has been a consistent decrease in physician reimbursement for procedures related to symptomatic neuromas, highlighting a larger trend in Medicare payments. Continued decline in reimbursement poses risk to these important treatment modalities, which could limit surgeons' ability to provide care to patients.
Brachialis to Anterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer: Comprehensive Anatomic Rationale
Olga Politikou, Leopold Harnoncourt, Fabian Fritsch, Udo Maierhofer, Vlad Tereshenko, Gregor Laengle, Christopher Festin, Matthias Luft, Clemens Gstoettner, Lena Hirtler, Oskar C. Aszmann
Operative Neurosurgery, 2025
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Distal nerve transfers for muscle reinnervation and restoration of function after upper and lower motor neuron lesions are a well-established surgical approach. The brachialis to anterior interosseous nerve (BrAIN) transfer is performed for prehension reanimation in lower brachial plexus and traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries. The aim of the study is to shed light on the inconsistent results observed in patients who undergo the BrAIN transfer. METHODS: An anatomic dissection was conducted on 30 fresh upper limb specimens to examine the intraneural topography of the median nerve (MN) in the upper arm at the level of the BrAIN transfer and the presence of intraneural fascicular interconnections distally. RESULTS: Fascicular interconnections between the AIN and other MN branches were consistently found in the distal third of the upper arm. The first interconnection was at 3.85 ± 1.82 cm proximal to the interepicondylar line, and the second one, after further proximal neurolysis, was at 9.45 ± 1.16 cm from the interepicondylar line. Intraneural topography of the AIN at the transfer level varied, with dorsomedial, dorsolateral, and purely dorsal locations observed. CONCLUSION: Consistent fascicular interconnections between the AIN and MN branches and intraneural topography variability of the MN may lead to aberrant reinnervation.
Neuroma-to-Nerve Ratio: Does Size Matter?
Daniel T. Weigel, Floris V. Raasveld, Wen-Chih Liu, Maximilian Mayrhofer-Schmid, Charles D. Hwang, Vlad Tereshenko, William Renthal, Clifford J. Woolf, Ian L. Valerio, Kyle R. Eberlin
Neurosurgery, 2025
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anatomic features of neuromas have been explored in imaging studies. However, there has been limited research into these features using resected, ex vivo human neuroma specimens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence that time may have on neuroma growth and size, and the clinical significance of these parameters. METHODS: Patients who underwent neuroma excision between 2022 through 2023 were prospectively included in this study. Neuroma specimens were obtained after operative resection. Standardized neuroma size measurements, expressed as a neuroma-to-nerve ratio (NNR), were conducted with ImageJ software. Pain data (numeric rating scale, 0-10) were prospectively recorded during preoperative evaluation, and patient factors were collected from chart reviews. RESULTS: Fifty terminal neuroma specimens from 31 patients were included, with 94.0% of the neuromas obtained from individuals with amputations. Most neuromas were excised from the lower extremities (n = 44, 88.0%). The neuromas had a median NNR of 2.45, and the median injury to neuroma excision interval was 6.3 years. Larger NNRs were associated with a longer injury to neuroma excision interval and with a smaller native nerve diameter. In addition, sensory nerves were associated with a larger NNR compared with mixed nerves. NNR was not associated with preoperative pain or with anatomical nerve distribution. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that neuromas seem to continue to grow over time and that smaller nerves may form relatively larger neuromas. In addition, sensory nerves develop relatively larger neuromas compared with mixed nerves. Neuroma size does not appear to correlate with pain severity. These findings may stimulate future research efforts and contribute to a better understanding of symptomatic neuroma development.
Corrigendum: Computational modeling of superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based (affinity) diagnostics (Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, (2024), 12, (1500756), 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1500756)
Loï Van Dieren, Antoine A. Ruzette, Vlad Tereshenko, Haïzam Oubari, Yanis Berkane, Jonathan Cornacchini, Filip Thiessen EF, Curtis L. Cetrulo, Korkut Uygun, Alexandre G. Lellouch
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2025
Corrigendum on: Van Dieren L, Tereshenko V, Oubari H, Berkane Y, Cornacchini J, Thiessen EF F, Cetrulo CL Jr, Uygun K and Lellouch AG (2024) Computational modeling of superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based (affnity) diagnostics. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 12:1500756. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1500756In the published article, there was an error in the author list, and author Antoine A. Ruzette was erroneously excluded. The corrected author list appears below.Loïc Van Dieren 1-5 , Antoine A. Ruzette 6 , Vlad Tereshenko 3 , Haïzam Oubari 2-4 , Yanis Berkane 4,7 , Jonathan Cornacchini 2,3 , Filip Thiessen EF 5,8-10 , Curtis L Cetrulo Jr 2-4 , Korkut Uygun 1,4 , Alexandre G Lellouch 2-4,11,12,*
Degenerated nerve grafts provide similar quality and outcome in reconstructing critical nerve defects as compared to fresh nerve grafts
Philipp Tratnig-Frankl, Martin Schmoll, Udo Maierhofer, Johanna Klepetko, Florian J. Jaklin, Lisa H. Jöns, Homayon Zirak, Christopher Festin, Leopold Harnoncourt, Vlad Tereshenko, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2025
IntroductionBrachial plexus injuries are commonly caused by stretch-traction injuries. The clinical standard is timely anatomic reconstruction with autologous nerve grafts and/or intra- or extraplexal nerve transfers. Commonly used nerve grafts are the sural nerves and/or grafts taken from the affected side. If the lower trunk has been affected, the latter nerves, however, are predegenerated. In this animal experiment we investigated, whether a degenerated nerve graft avails the same quality of regeneration as compared to a non-degenerated graft.Methods and materialsIn this animal study, a 2 cm lesion of the right common peroneal nerve was created, and the ipsilateral sural nerve was cut or left intact to later serve as a graft. Nerve reconstruction was carried out 3 weeks later using the fresh or degenerated graft. After 6 weeks, either a retrograde labeling of the common peroneal nerve or muscle force testing was performed.ResultsA total of 34 male SD rats, Group A (n = 13) and Group B (n = 21) were included. In Group A, the retrograde labeling of the spinal motor neurons showed an average of 66.05 (±17.03) neurons in animals with a fresh graft and 41.19 (±10.47) neurons in animals with a degenerated graft. In two animals with a fresh graft, no motor neurons could be labeled. No statistical inferiority was observed (p = 0.071). In Group B, regeneration is expressed as a recovery ratio. The fresh graft group had a mean maximum evoked contraction of 8.2 (±7.1), compared to 8.5 (±4.9) in the degenerated graft group (p = 0.462). The mean maximum twitch force was 5.2 (±3.5) and 6.4 (±4.4) respectively (p = 0.577). The mean muscle weight, comparing injured to uninjured side, was 0.32 (±0.06) in the fresh graft group and 0.32 (±0.04) in the degenerated graft group (p = 0.964).ConclusionThe use of predegenerated nerve grafts for critical nerve reconstruction showed no statistical inferiority as compared to the fresh grafts in any of the evaluated outcome. Overall, these results are promising, particularly in the context of critical nerve defects involving multiple nerves, where the use of a degenerated grafts often remains the only additional source of graft material.
Creation of a biological sensorimotor interface for bionic reconstruction
Christopher Festin, Joachim Ortmayr, Udo Maierhofer, Vlad Tereshenko, Roland Blumer, Martin Schmoll, Génova Carrero-Rojas, Matthias Luft, Gregor Laengle, Dario Farina, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Nature Communications, 2024
Neuromuscular control of bionic arms has constantly improved over the past years, however, restoration of sensation remains elusive. Previous approaches to reestablish sensory feedback include tactile, electrical, and peripheral nerve stimulation, however, they cannot recreate natural, intuitive sensations. Here, we establish an experimental biological sensorimotor interface and demonstrate its potential use in neuroprosthetics. We transfer a mixed nerve to a skeletal muscle combined with glabrous dermal skin transplantation, thus forming a bi-directional communication unit in a rat model. Morphological analyses indicate reinnervation of the skin, mechanoreceptors, NMJs, and muscle spindles. Furthermore, sequential retrograde labeling reveals specific sensory reinnervation at the level of the dorsal root ganglia. Electrophysiological recordings show reproducible afferent signals upon tactile stimulation and tendon manipulation. The results demonstrate the possibility of surgically creating an interface for both decoding efferent motor control, as well as encoding afferent tactile and proprioceptive feedback, and may indicate the way forward regarding clinical translation of biological communication pathways for neuroprosthetic applications.
Neuroma morphology: A macroscopic classification system
Floris V. Raasveld, Daniel T. Weigel, Wen‐Chih Liu, Maximilian Mayrhofer‐Schmid, Barbara Gomez‐Eslava, Vlad Tereshenko, Charles D. Hwang, Brian J. Wainger, William Renthal, Mark Fleming, Ian L. Valerio, Kyle R. Eberlin
Muscle and Nerve, 2024
Update/Refinement of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Indication: A Scoping Review of Applications for Non-Amputees
Jonathan Cornacchini, Haïzam Oubari, Vlad Tereshenko, Maria Bejar-Chapa, Yanis Berkane, Anna Scarabosio, Alexandre G. Lellouch, Olivier Camuzard, Kyle R. Eberlin, Elise Lupon
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
Thyroid Eye Disease: Advancements in Orbital and Ocular Pathology Management
Anna Scarabosio, Pier Luigi Surico, Rohan Bir Singh, Vlad Tereshenko, Mutali Musa, Fabiana D’Esposito, Andrea Russo, Antonio Longo, Caterina Gagliano, Edoardo Agosti, Etash Jhanji, Marco Zeppieri
Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2024
Whole-eye transplantation: Current challenges and future perspectives
Anna Scarabosio, Pier Luigi Surico, Vlad Tereshenko, Rohan Bir Singh, Carlo Salati, Leopoldo Spadea, Glenda Caputo, Pier Camillo Parodi, Caterina Gagliano, Jonathan M Winograd, Marco Zeppieri
World Journal of Transplantation, 2024
Emerging Value of Osseointegration for Intuitive Prosthetic Control after Transhumeral Amputations: A Systematic Review
Vlad Tereshenko, Riccardo Giorgino, Kyle R. Eberlin, Ian L. Valerio, Jason M. Souza, Mario Alessandri-Bonetti, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Oskar C. Aszmann
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2024
Beyond the Tingling Sensation: Unveiling the Neurobiological Origin of the Hoffmann-Tinel Sign
Vlad Tereshenko, Oskar C. Aszmann, Kyle R. Eberlin, Riccardo Schweizer, William G. Austen, A. Lee Dellon, Holger J. Klein
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2024
Peripheral neural interfaces: Skeletal muscles are hyper-reinnervated according to the axonal capacity of the surgically rewired nerves
Vlad Tereshenko, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Martin Schmoll, Leopold Harnoncourt, Genova Carrero Rojas, Lisa Gfrerer, Kyle R. Eberlin, William G. Austen, Roland Blumer, Dario Farina, Oskar C. Aszmann
Science Advances, 2024
Computational modeling of superparamagnetic nanoparticle-based (affinity) diagnostics
Loïc Van Dieren, Antoine A. Ruzette, Vlad Tereshenko, Haïzam Oubari, Yanis Berkane, Jonathan Cornacchini, Filip Thiessen EF, Curtis L. Cetrulo, Korkut Uygun, Alexandre G. Lellouch
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2024
Newly identified axon types of the facial nerve unveil supplemental neural pathways in the innervation of the face
Vlad Tereshenko, Udo Maierhofer, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Gregor Laengle, Martin Schmoll, Christopher Festin, Matthias Luft, Genova Carrero Rojas, Olga Politikou, Laura A. Hruby, Holger J. Klein, Steffen U. Eisenhardt, Dario Farina, Roland Blumer, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Journal of Advanced Research, 2023
Temporal and Zygomatic Branches of the Facial Nerve Contain Nonmyelinated Axons
Vlad Tereshenko, Roland Blumer, Holger J. Klein, Riccardo Schweizer, Oskar C. Aszmann, Konstantin D. Bergmeister
Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, 2023
Axonal mapping of motor and sensory components within the ulnar nerve and its branches
Vlad Tereshenko, Udo Maierhofer, Laura A. Hruby, Johanna Klepetko, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Olga Politikou, Gregor Laengle, Matthias Luft, Christopher Festin, Roland Blumer, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Journal of Neurosurgery, 2023
Axonal mapping of the motor cranial nerves
Vlad Tereshenko, Udo Maierhofer, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Gregor Laengle, Olga Politikou, Genova Carrero Rojas, Christopher Festin, Matthias Luft, Florian J. Jaklin, Laura A. Hruby, Andreas Gohritz, Dario Farina, Roland Blumer, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 2023
Autonomic Nerve Fibers Aberrantly Reinnervate Denervated Facial Muscles and Alter Muscle Fiber Population
Vlad Tereshenko, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Matthias Luft, Joachim Ortmayr, Udo Maierhofer, Martin Schmoll, Christopher Festin, Genova Carrero Rojas, Johanna Klepetko, Gregor Laengle, Olga Politikou, Dario Farina, Roland Blumer, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Oskar C. Aszmann
Journal of Neuroscience, 2022
Outcome Comparison of Different Reconstructive Approaches for Axillary Defects Secondary to Radical Excision of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Vlad Tereshenko, Riccardo Schweizer, Matthias Waldner, Bong-Sung Kim, Pietro Giovanoli, Holger Jan Klein
Dermatology, 2022
Proof of concept for multiple nerve transfers to a single target muscle
Matthias Luft, Johanna Klepetko, Silvia Muceli, Jaime Ibáñez, Vlad Tereshenko, Christopher Festin, Gregor Laengle, Olga Politikou, Udo Maierhofer, Dario Farina, Oskar C Aszmann, Konstantin Davide Bergmeister
Elife, 2021
Selective Denervation of the Facial Dermato-Muscular Complex in the Rat: Experimental Model and Anatomical Basis
Vlad Tereshenko, Dominik C. Dotzauer, Udo Maierhofer, Christopher Festin, Matthias Luft, Gregor Laengle, Olga Politikou, Holger J. Klein, Roland Blumer, Oskar C. Aszmann, Konstantin D. Bergmeister
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy, 2021
MR Imaging of Peripheral Nerves Using Targeted Application of Contrast Agents: An Experimental Proof-of-Concept Study
Vlad Tereshenko, Irena Pashkunova-Martic, Krisztina Manzano-Szalai, Joachim Friske, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Christopher Festin, Martin Aman, Laura A. Hruby, Johanna Klepetko, Sarah Theiner, Matthias H. M. Klose, Bernhard Keppler, Thomas H. Helbich, Oskar C. Aszmann
Frontiers in Medicine, 2020

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