Bridging peripheral nerve defect with chitosan-collagen film.

OBJECTIVE

To seek new method for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

METHODS

In rat model with sciatic nerve defect, chitosan-collagen film was sutured into conduit to bridge 5 mm, 10 mm nerve defects. Rats that underwent end-to-end anastomosis were taken as controls. General observation, electrophysiological study, histological study and image analysis were performed at 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

In 5 mm nerve defects, the quality of nerve regeneration was similar to that of the control group. For 10 mm nerve defect, nerve regeneration was inferior to that of the control group. Chitosan-collagen film obviously degraded at 12 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Chitosan-collagen film conduit can be used to bridge peripheral nerve defect.