[Use of lyophilized cellulose in peripheral nerve lesions with loss of substance]

Lyophilized cellulose was analysed to verify the degree of inflammatory reaction and axon realignment in the sciatic nerve after loss of neural substance. Ten mongrel dogs were divided into: Group 1 - 1 cm section of sciatic nerve which was replaced at lesion site; Group 2 nerve section without fragment replacement. The section site was involved with lyophilized cellulose. Group 3 -1 cm fragment section sutured epineurally. Motor response started at eighth week. Moderate fibrotic reaction to cellulose was seen in Group 1 and 2 animals. Groups 1 and 3 showed coaptation between the nerve and nerve graft with ongoing axons. In Group 2, 1 dog showed regrowth of axons through the empty space. It was concluded that lyophilized cellulose caused moderate fibrous reaction when implanted in peripheral nerve lesions with loss of substance; it can act as envelop protection in those lesions mainly if a neural graft is inserted.