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Poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) nerve guides perform better than autologous nerve grafts
W F den Dunnen1, B van der Lei, J M Schakenraad
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the speed and quality of nerve regeneration after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide or an autologous nerve graft. We evaluated nerve regeneration using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. Nerve regeneration across a short nerve gap, after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide, is faster and qualitatively better, when compared with nerve reconstruction using an autologous nerve graft. Therefore, we conclude that in the case of a short nerve gap (1 cm), reconstruction should be carried out using a biodegradable nerve guide constructed of a copolymer of DL-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone.