The effect of a small gap sleeve suture at the distal anastomosis of a nerve graft on promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

The effect of a small gap sleeve suture at the distal anastomosis of a nerve graft on promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery was investigated by experimental observation. The model of common peroneal nerve defect in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established, and an autologous sural nerve graft repair was performed. The small gap sleeve suture was applied at the distal anastomosis in the first stage for the experimental group. The results showed that the number of regenerated nerve fibers and the recovery of nerve function for the rats in the experimental group were superior to those in the control group.