title: Evaluation of functional nerve recovery after reconstruction with a new biodegradable poly (DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) nerve guide.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate functional nerve recovery following reconstruction of a 1 cm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat, using a new biodegradable p (DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide. To evaluate both motor and sensory nerve recovery, walking track analysis and electrostimulation tests were carried out after implantation periods, ranging from 3 to 15 weeks post-operatively. The first signs of functional nerve recovery were observed after 3 weeks. After 15 weeks, 70% of the motor- and 90% of the sensory nerve function was re-established. Return of nerve function was better, in comparison with results from other studies. This study demonstrated successful functional nerve recovery after the reconstruction of a 1 cm nerve gap with a biodegradable p(DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomedical Technology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Meek
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: den Dunnen
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Pennings
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schakenraad
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D011091:Polyesters; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C062968:lactide-caprolactone copolymer