The influence of end organs on peripheral nerve regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy: an experiment study

Objective To investigate the influence of end organs on peripheral nerve regeneration after end -to- side neurorrhaphy. Methods 10 female adult SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: group A, The distal end of transected common peroneal nerve on the left side, was sutured through an epineurial window in end -to-side fashion; group B, The left common peroneal nerve was sutured to the tibial nerve in the same fashion as the group A ,but the peroneal nerve was cut off 1.5cm distance to the neurorrhaphy point. The distal peroneal segment, which was connected with the peroneal muscle, was inversed and fixed to the nearby muscle. The regeneration was tested via methylamine blue stain and neuro filament immunohistochemistry 12 weeks postoperation. Results There are obviously differences between the acceptive nerves of A and B groups in view of the counts of the regenerated axon, the width of the myelin sheath, the amounts of the fibrous connected tissue and the arrangement of the regenerated nerve fiber. Conclusion The end organs are important factors to the peripheral nerve regeneration for end-to-side neurorrhaphy.