Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (20): 3726-3729.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.20.027

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Optimal time for repairing peripheral nerve defects following injury

Zhang Da-peng1, Pan Shi-qi1, Hou Ming-ming1, Yang Qi1, Wang Yan-zhong2   

  1. 1Department of Orthopaedics, the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin  150001, Heilongjiang Province, China;
    2Department of Orthopaedics, Boli People’s Hospital, Boli  154500, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Online:2010-05-14 Published:2010-05-14
  • Contact: Pan Shi-qi, Chief physician, Department of Orthopaedics, the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China zdap2006@yahoo.com.cn
  • About author:Zhang Da-peng, Master, Attending physician, Department of Orthopaedics, the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Supported by:

    the Subject of Health Department of Heilongjiang Province, No. 2007-442*

PDF

464

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Most studies regarding peripheral nerve injury repair focus on repair mechanisms rather than selection of repair times. 

OBJECTIVE: To observe the different time points on peripheral nerve injury repair and to select an optimal time.

METHODS: White rabbits were prepared for peripheral nerve injury models and randomly divided into 4 groups. In the immediate restoration group, the injured nerves were repaired immediately. In the other groups, the broken ends were fixed on sarcolemma and the sciatic nerve was repaired at 2, 4 weeks and 3 months after injury. The motor nerve conduction velocity, pathological observation, and structure of transplanted nerve segment were observed at 3 months after operation. The number of axon was also counted.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with 4-week and 3-month restoration groups, the motor nerve conduction velocity of the 2-week restoration group was obviously faster (P < 0.01), but the difference was significant compared with the immediate restoration group (P > 0.05). The histomorphology and structure of the 2-week restoration group were better than those of the 4-week and 3-month restoration groups. In addition, the number of axon in the 2-week restoration group was greater than those of the 4-week and 3-month restoration groups (P < 0.01). All results demonstrated that the outcome of 2-week restoration is superior to other time points, which is an optimal time for peripheral nerve injury.

CLC Number: