Functional assessment of sciatic nerve reconstruction: biodegradable poly (DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guides versus autologous nerve grafts.

Meek, M F; Dijkstra, J R; Den Dunnen, W F; Ijkema-Paassen, J; Schakenraad, J M; Gramsbergen, A; Robinson, P H · Microsurgery · 1999

other · Level V

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare functional nerve recovery after reconstruction with a biodegradable p(DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide filled with modified denatured muscle tissue (MDMT), or an autologous nerve graft. We evaluated nerve recovery using walking track analysis (measurement of the sciatic function index [SFI]) and electrostimulation tests. Functional nerve recovery after reconstruction with a biodegradable p(DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide filled with MDMT was faster when compared with nerve reconstruction using an autologous nerve graft. We conclude that in case of a short nerve gap in the rat, reconstruction can best be carried out using a p(DLLA-epsilon-CL) biodegradable nerve guide filled with MDMT.

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