title: Clinical evaluation of a hyaluronan-based gel following microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand.
abstract: A controlled clinical trial was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the hyaluronate-based gel polymer Hyaloglide after microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand. Thirty patients were randomized to receive either no postsurgical treatment (n = 16) or Hyaloglide (n = 14) and were clinically evaluated at various intervals for 1 year. The application of Hyaloglide posed no safety concerns. Efficacy was assessed by the recovery of sensitivity, measurement of pain, and progression of Tinel's sign. The Hyaloglide-treated group showed better improvement in recovery from pain, approaching statistical significance during the first 3 months postsurgery. Likewise, recovery of sensitivity was also higher in the Hyaloglide-treated group throughout the entire follow-up period, and the distance of Tinel's sign was longer in the Hyaloglide-treated group (P < 0.05 at day 30). The application of Hyaloglide may improve recovery of sensitivity and decrease pain following microsurgical repair of the peripheral nerves of the hand.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Unit, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, Verona, Italy. andrea.atze@univr.it
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Atzei
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Calcagni
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Breda
authors.forename: Giampaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fasolo
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pajardi
authors.forename: Landino
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cugola
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D010147:Pain Measurement; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005782:Gels; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid