USE OF PAPER FOR TREATMENT OF A PERIPHERAL-NERVE TRAUMA IN THE RAT

REINNERVATION Of the muscles and skin in the rat hindpaw was studied a fter transection and attempted repair of the sciatic nerve. Reconnecti ng the transected nerve with lens cleaning paper was at least as effec tive in rejoining the transected nerves as traditional microsurgical n eurorraphy. Paper induced a slightly bigger fibrous scar around the si te of transection than neurorraphy, but this scar did not cause impair ment of functional recovery or excessive signs of neuropathic pain. We conclude that a paper graft can be used in restorative surgery of sev ered peripheral nerves.