Can end-to-side neurorrhaphy bridge large defects? An experimental study in rats

• Published in: Muscle & nerve 2007-11, Vol.36 (5), p.664-671
• Main Authors: Lykissas, Marios G., Korompilias, Anastasios V., Batistatou, Anna K., Mitsionis, Gregory I., Beris, Alexandros E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; collateral sprouting; end-to-side neurorrhaphy; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Male; Models, Animal; Muscle, Skeletal - pathology; nerve injury; nerve repair; Neurosurgical Procedures - methods; Organ Size; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - etiology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - pathology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - surgery; Peroneal Nerve - injuries; Peroneal Nerve - pathology; Peroneal Nerve - surgery; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Recovery of Function - physiology; regenerative capacity; Striated muscle. Tendons; Sutures - adverse effects; Tibial Nerve - pathology; Time Factors; Vertebrates: osteoarticular system, musculoskeletal system; Walking - physiology
• ISSN: 0148-639X; 1097-4598
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.20861

This study was undertaken to evaluate collateral sprouting capability in an end‐to‐side repair model with long regenerative distance. Forty‐five rats were used and divided into four groups, according to the reparative procedure following peroneal nerve division: (A) “double” end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy with a regenerative distance of 0.6 cm; (B) “double” end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy with a regenerative distance of 1.2 cm; (C) end‐to‐end neurorrhaphy; and (D) nerve stumps buried into neighboring muscles. In all animals the contralateral healthy side served as a control. Functional assessment of nerve regeneration was performed at intervals up to 5 months using the Peroneal Function Index (PFI). Evaluation 150 days after surgery included peroneal and tibial nerve histologic and morphometric examination and wet weights of the tibialis anterior muscle. Functional evaluation and axonal counting data demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B, or between groups A and C. There was no functional or histologic evidence of donor nerve deterioration. In conclusion, the present study confirms that “double” end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy may be useful for the repair of divided human nerves with long gaps. Muscle Nerve, 2007