Polyglycolic acid tubing as a conduit for nerve regeneration

Rabbit common peroneal nerves will regenerate across a 1-cm gap inside polyglycolic acid tubing. Regenerated nerves are separated histologically into "minifascicles," which persist in distal segments. The conduction velocities and evoked action potential amplitudes following this type of regeneration are inferior to those seen in nerves repaired directly or by interpositional grafting. The strength of reinnervated muscles is equal following direct nerve suture, interpositional grafting, or polyglycolic acid conduit repairs.