Nerve Grafts: the Importance of an Adequate Blood Supply

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Abstract
Good recovery of sensory and motor function follow fresh homologous cadaver grafts into sciatic nerve defects in dogs. Recovery of function has followed storing of the homograft in serum at approx. 5[degree] C 24-48 hrs. However, complete absorption occurred in 16% of homografts, 8% of autografts. Some necrosis and fibrosis seem inevitable, especially if an impermeable membrane is interposed between graft and surrounding tissue. Vascularization was not increased by applying areolar or muscular tissues to the grafts. Plasma clots should be applied only at the ends of cable grafts, so that intervening segments may be more readily revas-cularized. Autografts should be used whenever possible.