Repair of different sized nerve defects using degenerated muscle grafts with vascular implantation: an experimental study in the rat.

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.