[Histological study on sciatic nerve repair at different angles in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect of sciatic nerve repair at different angles on the neural regeneration in rats.

METHODS

Seventy-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D with 18 rats in each group. The right sciatic nerve was transected at 30, 45, 60, and 90 degrees in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, and then was repaired. The morphologic assessment of nerve regeneration was performed by gross observation, the wet weight recovery rate of gastrocnemius, histological and ultrastructural observations at 1, 2, and 3 months after operation.

RESULTS

Three months later, the wet weight recovery rate of gastrocnemius, motor nerve conduction velocity and action potential of sciatic nerve, axonal diameter, medullary sheath thickness, and medullated nerve fiber counting in groups A and B were significantly better than those in groups C and D (P < 0.01); but no significant difference was found between group A and group B (P > 0.05), and between group C and group D (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

End-to-end neurorrhaphy at 30-45 degrees can effectively promote the sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.