Poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) nerve guides perform better than autologous nerve grafts.
The aim of this study was to compare the speed and quality of nerve regeneration after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide or an autologous nerve graft. We evaluated nerve regeneration using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. Nerve regeneration across a short nerve gap, after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide, is faster and qualitatively better, when compared with nerve reconstruction using an autologous nerve graft. Therefore, we conclude that in the case of a short nerve gap (1 cm), reconstruction should be carried out using a biodegradable nerve guide constructed of a copolymer of DL-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone.
den Dunnen
W F
WF
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
van der Lei
B
B
Schakenraad
J M
JM
Stokroos
I
I
Blaauw
E
E
Bartels
H
H
Pennings
A J
AJ
Robinson
P H
PH
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008866:Microsurgery; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009417:Nerve Tissue / Q000601:surgery* / Q000637:transplantation*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011091:Polyesters; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D013997:Time Factors
D011091:Polyesters; C062968:lactide-caprolactone copolymer