Poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolactone) nerve guides perform better than autologous nerve grafts

The aim of this study was to compare the speed and quality of nerve regeneration after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide or an autologous nerve graft. We evaluated nerve regeneration using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. Nerve regeneration across a short nerve gap, after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide, is faster and qualitatively better, when compared with nerve reconstruction using an autologous nerve graft. Therefore, we conclude that in the case of a short nerve gap (1 cm), reconstruction should be carried out using a biodegradable nerve guide constructed of a copolymer of DL-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.