Authors
Abstract
Background: Sutures and glue are the commonly used techniques in peripheral nerve repair with controversies in the results of experimental researches studying either technique. This experimental study aimed at evaluation of the axonal regeneration after end-to-side nerve repair with glue and suture in rats.Methods: In an experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=10) were submitted to fibular nerve transection with end-to-side nerve anastomosis using sutures alone group 2 (n=10) were submitted to fibular transection with end-to side nerve anastomosis using sutures and cyanacrylate glue in the lateral surface of an intact tibial nerve and group 3 (n=10), were submitted to surgery without repair (control group). At the end of the study (after 16 weeks) period, the three groups were evaluated by "walking track", and posterior morphometrical analysis.Results: At the end of the study, the mean weight of the groups had increased. The functional tests showed difference in the walking track analysis in groups 1 and 2, with important recovery in group 2 in walking pattern, while group 3 showed no function. Histological comparison showed no statistically significant difference between group 1 and 2, regarding the count of regenerated axons in the site of nerve repair. The number of regenerated axons, however, was more in group 2. The surgical time in group 3 was shorter than groups 1 and 2.Conclusion: End-to-side nerve repair using glue presented better results than suture following transection of fibular nerve in the rat experimental model.
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