title: Poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) nerve guides perform better than autologous nerve grafts.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: den Dunnen
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: van der Lei
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schakenraad
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stokroos
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Blaauw
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bartels
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Pennings
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; C062968:lactide-caprolactone copolymer