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J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(8): 521-527
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006624
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Determining the Maximal Length of a Vein Conduit Used as an Interposition Graft for Nerve Regeneration

Berish Strauch, Michael Ferder, Susan Lovelle-Allen, Keith Moore, D. J. Kim, Josephine Llena
  • Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Rehabilitation Medicine, and the Neuropathology Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1996

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Although autogenous veins have been used as nerve conduits (AVNCs) both experimentally and clinically for short nerve gaps up to 3 cm, investigators have not as yet determined the maximal effective length for functional nerve regeneration. In addition, the role of the distal nerve stump on subsequent nerve growth remains unclear. A rabbit peroneal nerve AVNC model was used to study axonal regeneration through nerve gaps of 1 to 6 cm. After allowing ample time for nerve regeneration, clinical, electophysiologic, and neurohistologic studies were performed to evaluate nerve regrowth and functional muscle reinnervation. Comparisons were made with 6-cm conventional nerve grafts. Excellent growth and function were found with AVNCs up to 3 cm in length, with increasing incapacity for regeneration at lengths greater than 3 cm. The distal nerve stump is believed to play a vital role in nerve regrowth.

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