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J Reconstr Microsurg 2005; 21(4): 257-266
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-871753
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Repair of Partial Lesions with Nerve Grafting Methods in the Rat Tibial Nerve

James M. Kerns1 , Tejashree S. Malushte1 , Theodore Nagel1 , Susan Shott2 , John Safanda3 , Mark Gonzalez3 , 4
  • 1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Illinois
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Biostatistics Unit); Rush University Medical Center, Illinois
  • 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
  • 4Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: December 15, 2004

Publication Date:
21 June 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A partial nerve lesion and associated neuroma can be either left alone or repaired with a graft. A by-pass graft around the undisturbed lesion with end-to-side attachments might be a good alternative. This study in rats examines these strategies using walking-track analysis, muscle weights, and histology. After a tibial nerve partial lesion (3 mm) and a 21-day delay, the reexposed lesion was either not repaired, repaired with an interposed allograft, or a by-pass allograft. Functional results showed that all three groups had a steady improvement over the 8-week period, but without significant group differences. Gastrocnemius muscle ratios reflected intermediate atrophy. Axons regenerating through the lesion were more advanced than those which regenerated through the grafts and a neuroma was absent. The partial lesion can regenerate to an intermediate level without any intervention, including a by-pass graft, although the delayed repair strategy may have counteracted any potential benefits.

KEYWORDS

End-to-side - partial nerve lesion - nerve grafting - walking track analysis

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James M KernsPh.D. 

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center

600 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612

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