Bridging peripheral nerve defect with chitosan-collagen film.

TLDR: Chitosan-collagen film conduit can be used to bridge peripheral nerve defect and the quality of nerve regeneration was similar to that of the control group.

Abstract: Objective: To seek new method for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. Methods: In rat model with sciatic nerve defect, chitosan collagen film was sutured into conduit to bridge 5 mm , 10 mm nerve defects. Rats that underwent end to end anastomosis were taken as controls. General observation, electrophysiological study, histological study and image analysis were performed at 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively. Results: In 5 mm nerve defects, the quality of nerve regeneration was similar to that of the control group. For 10 mm nerve defect, nerve regeneration was inferior to that of the control group. Chitosan collagen film obviously degraded at 12 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: Chitosan collagen film conduit can be used to bridge peripheral nerve defect.