1. The Effect of Collagen Nerve Conduits Filled with Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Matrix on Peripheral Motor Nerve Regeneration in a Rat Model
by Joo-Yup Lee, Guilherme Giusti, Patricia F. Friedrich, Simon J. Archibald, John E. Kemnitzer, Jignesh Patel, Namrata Desai, Allen T. Bishop, and Alexander Y. Shin
J Bone Joint Surg Am
Volume 94(22):
November 21, 2012
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.

2. Transverse (A) and longitudinal (B) sections of the conduit filled with collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrix viewed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Transverse (A) and longitudinal (B) sections of the conduit filled with collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrix viewed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pore channels in the collagen-GAG matrix are axially aligned to mimic the Schwann cell basal lamina as a mechanism to effectively support bridging across a critical-sized nerve defect. The bar is 0.5 mm long.
Joo-Yup Lee et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.

3. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP), isometric tetanic force, and muscle weight of the tibialis anterior and ankle contracture angle for the four test groups.
Compound muscle action potential (CMAP), isometric tetanic force, and muscle weight of the tibialis anterior and ankle contracture angle for the four test groups. GAG = glycosaminoglycan. The asterisks indicate significant differences (p < 0.05).
Joo-Yup Lee et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.

4. Histological findings at the proximal nerve repair site for groups II and IV (Masson trichrome, ×40).
Histological findings at the proximal nerve repair site for groups II and IV (Masson trichrome, ×40). The end of the empty conduit used in group II was not absorbed, and the regenerated nerve was less dense compared with the proximal stump. The conduit with collagen-GAG matrix used in group IV was absorbed and allowed the proximal stump to regenerate smoothly.
Joo-Yup Lee et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.

5. Histological findings of the mid-graft transverse section for the four groups (Masson trichrome, ×40).
Histological findings of the mid-graft transverse section for the four groups (Masson trichrome, ×40). The conduits in groups III and IV were decreased in size compared with those in group II. The regenerated nerve in the mid-graft was more compact in group IV than in groups II and III. The bar is 0.5 mm long.
Joo-Yup Lee et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.

6. Histological findings of the mid-graft transverse sections for the four groups (toluidine blue, ×40).
Histological findings of the mid-graft transverse sections for the four groups (toluidine blue, ×40). The regenerated axons were more dense and organized in the autograft (group I) and in the conduit with collagen-GAG matrix (group IV) compared with the empty conduit or conduit with collagen matrix (groups II and III).
Joo-Yup Lee et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:
©2012 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc.