Sensory nerve function and auto-mutilation after reconstruction of variousgap lengths with nerve guides and autologous nerve grafts

The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory nerve recovery and auto-mutil ation after reconstruction of various lengths of nerve gaps in the sciatic nerve of the rat, using different techniques. Group 4, in which the longest nerve gap (15 mm) was reconstructed with a thin-walled p(DL-lactide-y-capr olactone) nerve guide filled with modified denatured muscle tissue, showed the best results in the electro-stimulation tests and signs of severe auto- mutilation were not observed. Even in the control group, in which a 10mm ne rve gap was left open, in two of the five rats improvement of the sensory n erve function was observed, which was caused by re-innervation of the sciat ic nerve and not by expansion of the neighboring saphenous nerve. It is hyp othesized that a better quality of nerve reconstruction/guidance channel/su pport results in faster regeneration and hence re-innervation, thereby, pre venting auto-mutilation. A thin red glabrous skin, anhydrosis (dryness of t he skin), short nails and edema were interpreted as signs of autonomic dysf unction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.