Review
Functional recovery after implantation of artificial nerve grafts in the rat- a systematic review
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* Corresponding author: Nektarios Sinis nektarios.sinis@googlemail.com
- † Equal contributors
1 Clinic for Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center, Eberhard-Karls University, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
2 Dept of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Hospital Markgroeningen, Kurt-Lindemann-Weg 10 D-71706 Markgroeningen, Germany
3 Dept of Radiotherapy, Hospital of Offenbach, Starkenburgring 66, D-63069 Offenbach, Germany
Journal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury 2009, 4:19 doi:10.1186/1749-7221-4-19
Published: 25 October 2009Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare functional data of different nerve-gap bridging materials evaluated in rat experiments by means of a systematic review.
Materials and methods
A systematic review was conducted, searching MEDLINE, HTS and CENTRAL to identify all trials evaluating functional recovery of artificial nerve conduits in the rat model.
Results
There was a trend towards a favourable outcome of conduits coated with Schwann-cells compared to the plain synthetics. Histomorphometry, electrophysiology and muscle-weight correlated poorly with functional outcome.
Conclusion
Schwann-cell coated conduits showed promising results concerning functional recovery. Further standardization in outcome reporting is encouraged.