Nerve Regeneration after Modified End-to-Side Neurorrhaphy in the Rat / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified end-to-side neurorrhaphy on functional recovery, by modulating the epineurial window and contact areas with a donor nerve, using a rat median nerve and finger flexors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four experimental groups (n=10) were used a large epineurial window and a spiral circumferential contact with the donor nerve (Group A) a large epineurial window and half a contact with the donor nerve (Group B) a small epineurial window and half a contact with the donor nerve (Group C) and a nontransferred control (Group D). Grasping testing, muscle contractility testing, and a histological study were performed. RESULTS: Twenty weeks after surgery, the grasping strength, tetanic force and nerve fiber count were significantly higher in group A than group C. The modified end-to-side repair can enhance axonal sprouting from an intact nerve, and improve functional recovery. CONCLUSION: Either the epineurial window surface area or the contact configuration with the donor nerve is an important factor in an end-to-side coaptation model.