Rapid neurorrhaphy with titanium clips.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of titanium clips in the repair of transected peripheral nerves. The results of neurorrhaphy using titanium clips (VCS) were compared with the conventional technique of neurorrhaphy using nylon sutures. Transected sciatic nerves in 15 New Zealand white rabbits were repaired with VCS clips on one side and interrupted 9-0 nylon sutures on the other. The average time required for neurorrhaphy using the clip closure was 8.7 +/- 2.6 min, and this was shorter than the suture closure, which took 14.9 +/- 3.6 min (P < 0.01). Electromyographic studies revealed no significant differences in amplitudes of compound motor action potentials in both groups. Also, the number and extent of myelinizations of regenerated axons were not significantly different in both methods of nerorrhaphies. These results demonstrate that microscopic neurorrhaphy using titanium clips is a potential alternative to conventional neurorrhaphy using sutures. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:386-390 2002