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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006624
© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
Determining the Maximal Length of a Vein Conduit Used as an Interposition Graft for Nerve Regeneration
Publication History
Accepted for publication 1996
Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/jrm/199608/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2007-1006624-1.jpg)
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.