title: Innervation of a prefabricated flap: a new experimental model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Flap innervation by neoaxonogenesis is a promising field of investigation. The authors evaluated the possibility of innervating an acellular collagen scaffold as component of a potential prefabricated flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Collagen matrix sheets were implanted around the femoral bundle of a murine model to produce two flaps on proximal and distal nerve stumps based on a flow-through model. After thirty days, nerve regeneration and integration into the collagen matrix were evaluated. The specimens were microscopically analyzed to study Schwann cell colonization and axonal integration with the matrix. Axonal count and density were assessed and statistically evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitative structural and ultrastructural evaluation indicated integration, with axonal fibers merged within the collagen matrix, along with a newly formed vascular network on the proximal flap. Wallerian degeneration occurred inside the distal chamber. Axonal count and density did not show statistically significant differences between the nerve inside the proximal flap and the control side.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Innervation of an acellular matrix can be obtained by direct nerve stump implantation. The flow-through system was relatively easy to build and reliable to provide adequate blood supply. The collagen scaffold may be a promising support or further studies of preinnervated microsurgical flaps.
authors.affiliation: University Clinic of Navarra, Plastic Surgery Unit, Avenida Pio XII 36, 30001 Pamplona, Spain.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Romeo
authors.affiliation: Fatebenefratelli Buccheri La Ferla Hospital, Plastic Surgery Unit, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cuccia
authors.affiliation: University Clinic of Navarra, Plastic Surgery Unit, Avenida Pio XII 36, 30001 Pamplona, Spain.
authors.forename: Shan Shan
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8907-473X
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Raimondo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6962-831X
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geuna
authors.affiliation: University Clinic of Navarra, Plastic Surgery Unit, Avenida Pio XII 36, 30001 Pamplona, Spain.
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6186-4791
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hontanilla
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen