Clinical evaluation of a hyaluronan‐based gel following microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand

A controlled clinical trial was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the hyaluronate‐based gel polymer Hyaloglide® after microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand. Thirty patients were randomized to receive either no postsurgical treatment ( n = 16) or Hyaloglide® ( n = 14) and were clinically evaluated at various intervals for 1 year. The application of Hyaloglide® posed no safety concerns. Efficacy was assessed by the recovery of sensitivity, measurement of pain, and progression of Tinel's sign. The Hyaloglide®‐treated group showed better improvement in recovery from pain, approaching statistical significance during the first 3 months postsurgery. Likewise, recovery of sensitivity was also higher in the Hyaloglide®‐treated group throughout the entire follow‐up period, and the distance of Tinel's sign was longer in the Hyaloglide®‐treated group ( P < 0.05 at day 30). The application of Hyaloglide® may improve recovery of sensitivity and decrease pain following microsurgical repair of the peripheral nerves of the hand. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 27, 2007.