The beneficial effect of triamcinolone acetonide on nerve repair with autogenous grafts.

Bilateral nerve cable graft repairs were made in the sciatic nerves of Wistar rats. One group of repairs was treated locally with triamcinolone acetonide (0.5 mg), one group was exposed to the systemic effects of the drug, and one group was left untreated. Nerve regeneration was measured by nerve-stimulated muscle twitch strength, as well as several electrophysiologic parameters of the compound action potential conducted through the graft. Results suggest that nerve regeneration through an autogenous graft is significantly improved by local treatment with triamcinolone acetonide. Further studies are indicated to determine appropriate dosage necessary to maximize the beneficial local effects.