ABSTRACT
In order to explore the repair of nerve defects of different sizes using degenerated
muscle grafts with vascular implantation [DMG(+VI)], 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-mm sciatic
nerve defects in the rat were bridged. After eight months, the muscle grafts were
reconstructed to the nerve-like tissues. There was better revascularization in the
grafts because of vascular implantation. Regenerated axons could grow through 10-,
15-, 20-, and 25-mm muscle grafts to the distal nerve stump and ultimately to the
target-organs. The regenerated axons were well myelinated and nerve conduction was
recovered. However, as the graft length increased, the quantity of regenerated axons
gradually decreased and the function of the regenerated axons was affected.
