Nerve regeneration through a healthy peripheral nerve trunk as a nerve conduit: A preliminary study of a new concept in peripheral nerve surgery

Abstract

The popularity of nerve conduits has increased recently due to the need for alternative nerve reconstruction techniques, obviating the harvest of nerve grafts. Based on ideas suggesting nerve tissue itself, which was the most physiologic environment for nerve regeneration, a study using 40 sciatic nerves of 20 rats was performed. The proximal stumps of transected peroneal nerves were sutured to the lateral wall of healthy tibial nerve trunks after removal of the epineurium. Twelve weeks later, tissue samples were taken from the anastomosis sites and from the levels above and below these sites. Configurations of fascicles were evaluated, and numbers of fibers were estimated. It was observed that the fibers of peroneal nerves regenerated into and through the tibial nerve trunk distally. This suggested that active regenerating fibers of a proximal stump of a nerve could regenerate and progress as a fascicular unit in optimum condition at the trunk of another healthy nerve. This preliminary study should stimulate further studies based on this new concept: that a nerve trunk can serve as the host for the regenerating fibers of another nerve.

Comparison of regeneration results of prefabricated nerve graft, autogenous nerve graft, and vein graft in repair of nerve defects

“…However, restoration of nerve function where trauma has caused a defect in the peripheral nerve remains a challenging problem in reconstructive surgery. 1 Although a lot of methods have been reported, autogenous nerve grafting has been the standard technique for repairing nerve defect. The results are satisfactory but this technique causes significant donor site morbidity such as scarring, neuroma formation, and loss of sensation.…”

Progress of nerve bridges in the treatment of peripheral nerve disruptions

“…These materials can provide support for the nerve in the short term and degrade to innocuous products after complete nerve regeneration. Some authors have used autogenetic epineurium, 34,35 autogenic veins and autogenic small arteries, and even muscle fibers [36][37][38][39][40] to repair peripheral nerve injury and reported satisfying results.…”

Study on Small Gap Sleeve Bridging Peripheral Nerve Injury

“…Jiang et al [11,12], or normal nerve trunks [13] sautogeneic vein and autogeneic small artery and even the muscle fibers [14,15] to allow peripheral nerve selected regeneration [16,17]. The satisfactory regeneration effect was observated in SD rat sciatic nerve injury model but the limited resource of autogeneic epineuriumautogeneic, vein and autogeneic small artery confined their possible clinical applicable feasibility.…”