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. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 348-357 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Microsurgery |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 7 |
Publication status | Published - 1996 |
Keywords
- PERIPHERAL-NERVE
- EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL
- REGENERATION
- REPAIR
- GROWTH
- TUBE
- RAT
- GAP