Peripheral nerve regeneration through a novel bioresorbable nerve guide.

ABSTRACT

A nerve guide made of a benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid (HYAFF11p75) was used to bridge 8 mm gaps in rat tibial nerves. Histologic observations indicated that this biomaterial provoked only a transient, modest inflammatory response, and the resorption rate was compatible with the nerve regeneration processes. Phagocytosis of the biomaterial began after neoangiogenesis and cell migration had taken place from both stumps into the nerve guide material. For comparison, the regeneration achieved was evaluated in nerve guides made of either HYAFF11p75 or Silastic, and in nerves repaired with the autograft technique. Recovery was assessed in vivo 90 days after implantation by measuring the nerve compound action potential (CAP) and conduction velocity (NCV) of the regenerated tibial nerve. The results demonstrate that the nerve guide tubes made of HYAFF11p75 were able to support and direct axonal growth, thereby suggesting a possible use for such biomaterial in the management of short nerve gaps in human pathology.