Nerve regeneration techniques respecting the special characteristics of the inferior alveolar nerve
Ansgar C Hergt1, Benedicta E Beck-Broichsitter2, Jan Raethjen3
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to examine the in situ regeneration of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in its bony channel, using autologous tissue in combination with a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF).
Materials And Methods:
A total of 20 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. Following dissection of the IAN, the animals underwent reconstruction either with muscle tissue (groups 1 and 2) or with fat tissue (groups 3 and 4). In group 5 (control), the dissected nerve was resected and reconstructed by placement of the reversed autologous segment. After 2 and 4 weeks, 1 mL rhNGF was locally injected in groups 1 and 3. Nerve function was monitored by measuring the jaw-opening reflex using electromyography for a period of 24 weeks.
Results:
Regeneration of the nerve was achieved in all groups, but preoperative threshold values were not achieved. Comparing the experimental groups to the control, there was a significant difference in favor of the autologous nerve reconstruction. Differences between the experimental groups remained statistically not significant.
Conclusion:
Regeneration of the IAN with autologous tissue is possible, but without achieving preoperative thresholds. Additional injection of a growth factor seems to improve the speed of regeneration for fat and muscle grafts.
