ABSTRACT
The stumps of divided rat sciatic nerves were coapted by suturing the epineurium to
a small rectangular device made of a sheet of polylactic acid. One month later, significant
degradation of the implanted material was observed. At that time, the local condition
of the nerve was excellent, and the precise location of the initial injury could not
be determined by examination under the operating microscope. Histology confirmed that
there was no visible reaction to the biodegradable substance or its metabolites, and
that neurotization of the distal stump was satisfactory. These findings were in agreement
with those of other studies, and indicated that polylactic-acid devices affixed to
divided nerves have no adverse effect on regeneration.
