Objective Investigate the degradation process of polyactic acid (PLA) filaments within peripheral neres and its adverse effects on peripheral nerve. Methods Bilateral sciatic nerves of 20 SD rats were exposed, and PLA filaments were implanted among the fascicles at one side, while Vicryl filaments were implanted into the oomtrakteral nerve as control. The filaments and nerves were harvested at 1,4,8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, and inspected by macroscopy, light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Results The degradation occurred not only on the surface but also inside the PLA filaments after they were implanted into the sciatic nerve. PLA fragments still could be found at the end of this study. During the degradation of PLA filaments, macrophages invaded into the filaments and exhibited active phagocytosis. There were mild degree infiltration of lymphoscytes and fibroblast around the filaments during their degradation. However, the structure of peripheral nerve didn’ t change
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