Functional recovery after implantation of artificial nerve grafts in the rat- a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare functional data of different nerve-gap bridging materials evaluated in rat experiments by means of a systematic review.


METHODS
A systematic review was conducted, searching MEDLINE, HTS and CENTRAL to identify all trials evaluating functional recovery of artificial nerve conduits in the rat model.


RESULTS
There was a trend towards a favourable outcome of conduits coated with Schwann-cells compared to the plain synthetics. Histomorphometry, electrophysiology and muscle-weight correlated poorly with functional outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Schwann-cell coated conduits showed promising results concerning functional recovery. Further standardization in outcome reporting is encouraged.
Clinic for Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Eberhard-Karls University, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Nektarios
N
Sinis
Clinic for Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Eberhard-Karls University, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Armin
A
Kraus
Dept of Radiotherapy, Hospital of Offenbach, Starkenburgring 66, D-63069 Offenbach, Germany.
Nikolaos
N
Tselis
Dept of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Hospital Markgroeningen, Kurt-Lindemann-Weg 10 D-71706 Markgroeningen, Germany.
Max
M
Haerle
Clinic for Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Eberhard-Karls University, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Frank
F
Werdin
Clinic for Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Eberhard-Karls University, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Hans-Eberhard
HE
Schaller