Histological and electrophysiological assessment of the results of primary and secondary neurorrhaphy in a rabbit model

Abstract

The effect of the timing of neurorrhaphy on neuromuscular function was studied. The gastrocnemius neuromuscular units of 22 rabbits were used, with repairs performed immediately and 3 weeks after nerve transection. At the end of 3 months, electrophysiological and histological results were compared. The study found that there was a higher rate of neuromuscular function return in primarily sutured nerves (88.0%) than in nerves repaired by secondary suture (63.0%). The histological examination also confirmed a better preserved microscopic structure of the primary repair group.