Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that the application of methylprednisolone can promote peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. However, the research on the effect of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury has not been reported.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effect of triamcinolone acetonide and methylprednisolone on peripheral nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in New Zealand rabbits.
METHODS: Thirtysix New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: triamcinolone acetonide group, methylprednisolone group and normal saline control group. The tibial nerves on both sides of New Zealand rabbits were cut and sutured by end-to-end method. The sutured areas were treated with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide, methylprednisolone and normal saline in each group.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The gait ability and plantar ulcer healing status in the triamcinolone acetonide group and methylprednisolone group were significantly better than those in the control group, less appearance of nerve anastomsis; in histological examination, more regenerative nerve fiber and less connective tissue hyperplasia were observed around the anastomosed site. The nerve conduction velocity, the regeneration ratio of myelinated nerve fiber and the wet mass of triceps surae muscle in the triamcinolone acetonide group and methylprednisolone group were obviously better than those in the control group (P < 0.01). But there was no significant difference between triamcinolone acetonide group and methylprednisolone group in above parameters (P > 0.05). Local application of triamcinolone acetonide or methylprednisolone to the anastomosed site in the repair surgery of peripheral nerve injuries can effectively prevent adhesion and promote regeneration of peripheral nerve.