An Experimental Study of Silastic Cuff Wrapping Around the Severed Peripheral Nerve

Lim, Hong Chul; Moon, Woo Nam; Cheon, Jae Young; Chang, Jay Suck; Lee, Seok Hyun; Sung, In Young

Abstract

The authors conducted an in-Vivo experimental study using sciatic nerve of 200-300 grammed rats to verify clinical applicability of Silicone cuffing method, by which scar adhesion of repaired nerve in crushed limb is assumed hopefully to be reduced. The following observations were obtainable. 1. Nerve conduction velocity was noted faster in Silicone cuff group than in control group significantly after 6 weeks postoperatively. 2. Adhesion of repaired nerve with surrounding scar tissue was far less present in Silicone cuff group than in control group when observed grossly. 3. The amount of scar formation and axonal degeneration were noted reduced remarkably in Silicone cuff group than in control group after 3 weeks postoperatively. 4. The intraneural vascularity was noted reduced either in Silicone cuff group and in control group, but definitely less reduced in the former than in the latter. Clinical relevance: Above results may be taken as an experimental basis supporting clinical applicability of Silicone cuff wrapping method for neurorraphy in crushed limb.