EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL NERVE RECOVERY AFTER RECONSTRUCTION WITH A NEW BIODEGRADABLE POLY (DL-LACTIDE-EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE) NERVE GUIDE

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional nerve recovery follow ing reconstruction of a 1 cm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat, using a new biodegradable p (DLLA-epsilon-CL) nerve guide. To evaluate both motor and sensory nerve recovery, walking track analysis and electrost imulation tests were carried out after implantation periods, ranging f rom 3 to 15 weeks post-operatively. The first signs of functional nerv e recovery were observed after 3 weeks. After 15 weeks, 70% of the mot or - and 90% of the sensory nerve function was re-established. Return of nerve function was better in comparison with results from other stu dies. This study demonstrated successful functional nerve recovery aft er the reconstruction of a 1 cm nerve gap with a biodegradable p(DLLA- epsilon-CL) nerve guide.