A study on the functions of the regenerated axons in end-to-side neurorrhaphy / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo probe the possibility of functional sensory endings regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy. MethodsFifteen New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The left greater auricular nerve served as the donor nerve. A nerve graft taken from the right ear served as the receptive nerve which anastomosed to the donor nerve with the other end implanting into the denervated skin flap. Normal skin and denervated skin flap without nerve implantation served as control groups 5 animals in each group. The single nerve fibre recording technique was used to investigate the number,distribution and types of regenerated discharging nerve fibers 4 months after operation. ResultsThe inductive discharges of nerve fibres wave observed in all types of regenerated sensory nerves ,the total discharging fibers was about 58% of that in normal skin. Few discharging fibers were observed in denervated skin flap without nerve implantation. Conclusion End-to-ide neurorrhaphy can regenerate functional axons.