Abstract
BackgroundPeripheral nerve defects (PND) often cause lifelong physical disability, and the available treatment options are often not satisfactory. PND are usually bridged with an autologous nerve transplant or a nerve guidance conduit (NGC), when coaptation as preferred technique is not possible. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effectiveness of a novel NGC for regeneration in the treatment of PND.Materials and methodsA conduit made of gelatin with an innovative interior structure was tested for the repair of a 6-mm gap versus direct microsurgical suture repair without gap.ResultsWe found that bridging the defect with this conduit was as effective as direct microsurgical coaptation without a defect.ConclusionsThis nerve conduit, effective in bridging neural defects, appears as an alternative to autologous nerve grafts, avoiding the problems related to nerve graft harvesting, host–donor differences in diameter, mismatches in number and pattern of fascicles, cross-sectional shape and area, and morbidity of the donor area.
Highlights
Peripheral nerve defects are most often due to trauma and have a high potential for major disability [1]
Materials and methods A conduit made of gelatin with an innovative interior structure was tested for the repair of a 6-mm gap versus direct microsurgical suture repair without gap
We found that bridging the defect with this conduit was as effective as direct microsurgical coaptation without a defect
Summary
Peripheral nerve defects are most often due to trauma and have a high potential for major disability [1]. Coaptation with direct suture repair is optimal for a good functional result but is only possible for defects of less than 5 mm in length, as larger gaps may cause tension on the suture line leading to poorer results [7, 8]. In this setting, autologous nerve grafts are being used serving as scaffolds supplying nutrients, while the basal lamina, endoneural tubes, and Schwann cells guide the regenerating axons to the distal stump [9, 10]. Materials and methods A conduit made of gelatin with an innovative interior structure was tested for the repair of a 6-mm gap versus direct microsurgical suture repair without gap
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