Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Functional Nerve Recovery After Reconstruction with a Thin-Walled Biodegradable Poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) Nerve Guide

Authors

M. F. Meek, University of Groningen
W. F. A. den Dunnen, Flevo Hospital, Almere
H. L. Bartels, University of Groningen
A. J. Pennings, University of Groningen
P. H. Robinson, University of Groningen
J. M. Schakenraad, University of Groningen

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional nerve recovery after reconstruction of a 1 em gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, with a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DLLA-ε-CL) nerve guide. To evaluate both motor and sensory nerve recovery, walking track analysis and electrostimulation tests were carried out after implantation periods ranging from 3 to 26 weeks post-operatively. The first signs of functional nerve recovery could already be observed after 5 weeks. From the histological analysis, it could be concluded that most of the thin-walled nerve guides had collapsed. Despite collapsing, functional nerve recovery was relatively good after 26 weeks (motor nerve recovery 54% and sensory nerve recovery 100%), probably due to guidance of the regenerating nerve fibers along the outside of the poly(DLLA-ε-CL) nerve guide. This thin-walled nerve guide should, therefore, be used in combination with mechanical support.

Recommended Citation

Meek, M. F.; den Dunnen, W. F. A.; Bartels, H. L.; Pennings, A. J.; Robinson, P. H.; and Schakenraad, J. M. (1997) "Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Functional Nerve Recovery After Reconstruction with a Thin-Walled Biodegradable Poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) Nerve Guide," Cells and Materials: Vol. 7: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cellsandmaterials/vol7/iss1/5