A Clinical Multi-Center Registry Study On Digital Nerve Repair Using A Biodegradable Nerve Conduit Of PGA With External And Internal Collagen Scafoldding
Hirohisa Kusuhara, Md, Phd; Yu Sueyoshi, Md; Noritaka Isogai, Md, Phd
Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
Background: Autologous nerve grafting for peripheral nerve reconstruction has been the standard technique when direct suturing is not feasible, however, major drawbacks remain that include donor site morbidity, painful neuroma, longer operative time, and higher surgical costs. Previous studies have explored alternative repairing methods using biodegradable nerve conduits. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of a biodegradable nerve conduit constructed of polyglycolic acid (PGA) tube with external and internal collagen scaffolding for digital nerve repair. Materials and Methods: A multi-center registry study was conducted in 28 locations between July, 2013 and May, 2016. Twenty digital nerve repairs were done in 20 patients with a mean nerve gap of 17 mm (range: 1 – 50 mm) for which a minimum of 12 months follow-up was available including sensory assessments.
Results: A meaningful recovery (S3+ or S4) was observed in 90% of the 20 digital nerve repairs with a biodegradable nerve conduit of PGA with external and internal collagen scaffolding. There were no reported adverse experiences or complications intraoperatively or postoperatively.
Conclusion: These results indicate that a biodegradable nerve conduit of PGA with external and internal collagen scaffolding is suitable for digital nerve repair of short nerve gaps with high levels of sensory recovery as measured by two-point discrimination and touch sensibility.
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