ABSTRACT
The results of epineural microneurorrhaphy with use of 10/0 monofilament absorbable (Vicryl and Dexon) and nonabsorbable ( Dermalon , Ethilon, and Prolene) microsuture were compared in 150 isogeneic male Sprague-Dawley rats. After sciatic nerve transection and epineural repair, the animals were observed clinically and reexplored before death at intervals from 2 days to 20 weeks. Half of the animals were randomly selected for electrodiagnostic studies at 6, 12, and 20 weeks before sacrificed. We found no significant clinical, electrodiagnostic, or histologic differences affecting axonal regeneration that were attributable to any of the suture types used. All sutures incited moderate zones of localized inflammation acutely. After dissolution, the absorbable group was essentially free of inflammation, whereas the nonabsorbable sutures persisted in small local granulomas. A possible advantage may be suggested in the use of monofilament absorbable sutures for microneural repairs in certain situations.
