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We describe a time-saving microsurgical exercise for continuing microsurgical training and research. The rat tail replantation model was simplified by excluding bone detachment. Rats were divided into two groups: devascularization only ( N = 3) and revascularization after devascularization ( N = 7). The tail was devascularized by ligation and division of artery and veins in the first group to reveal if a collateral circulation from bone existed. The divided vessels were reanastomosed in the second group. The circulation of the rat tails was followed for 1 week. The tails showed total necrosis in the devascularization group, whereas only two of seven tails showed partial necrosis in the revascularization group. Reexploration showed thrombosis narrowing the lumen at the anastomotic site of the partially necrosed tails, most likely due to an anastomotic insufficiency. The present study revealed that total amputation is not necessary for tail devascularization. The rat tail revascularization model provides a practical tool for advanced and continuing microsurgical training and research.

Despite the latest technologies and advances in microbiology and orthopedic surgery, chronic osteomyelitis is still a challenging disorder. Antibiotic resistance and bacterially induced bone destruction can have very serious consequences. We hypothesized that calcium phosphate‐based bone graft substitution with silver ion doping would simultaneously treat bone infection and the bony defect in the chronic osteomyelitis. An unicortical 10‐mm‐diameter bone was harvested in the proximal tibial metaphysis of 24 rabbits. After contaminating the wounds with an infective dose of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), osteomyelitis was proven radiographically and microbiologically in all rabbits. Animals were than divided into three groups. The first group received vancomycin‐impregnated bone cement beads (comparative control group), the second/experimental group received silver ion‐doped calcium phosphate beads and the third group received pure calcium phosphate beads (negative controls). Radiographs, intraosseous cultures, and histopathological examinations were performed on postoperative Week 10. The cultures showed no evidence of intramedullary infection in the silver ion‐doped calcium phosphate beads group, but they were positive for MRSA in four of the six rabbits in the vancomycin‐ impregnated bone cement beads group and in all of the eight rabbits in the pure calcium phosphate beads group. Quantitative assessment of histopathological examination showed lowest total damage score in silver ion‐doped calcium phosphate beads group (p < .001). Percentage of osteoid tissue + bony tissue was also higher in this group compared with other groups. In the final radiological examinations, it was observed that the changes caused by osteomyelitis in the bone tissue in the silver ion‐doped calcium phosphate beads group were much improved compared with the vancomycin‐impregnated bone cement beads group. Silver ion doped calcium phosphate‐based bone‐graft substitute offer the ability to stimulate bone growth, combat infection, and, ultimately, treat experimental chronic osteomyelitis in an animal model.

Genistein was shown to promote recovery in experimental peripheral neuropathy and chronic peripheral nerve injury (23,24). However, the effect of genistein in animal models of acute crush injury or complete transection of peripheral nerve has not yet been investigated.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of genistein after experimental sciatic nerve crush injury and complete sciatic nerve transection in rats and to compare its effects with those of gabapentin. █ INTRODUCTIONA lthough microsurgical techniques have been developed and positive effects of clinically and experimentally different neurotrophic drugs, steroids, hormones, and even low-dose radiation have been reported, desirable motor and sensory recovery after peripheral nerve injury is a clinical challenge (6,16,18,20,25). Methylprednisolone and gabapentin are considered as reference agents, against which the medical treatment of traumatic peripheral nerve injury is evaluated. However, their adverse effects are a major limitation associated with their clinical use (16). AIM:To investigate the effects of genistein in a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury and complete sciatic nerve transection. The effects of genistein were compared with those of gabapentin, which is widely used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve injury. MATERIAL and METHODS:Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups (8 rats in each group): group 1 (sham); group 2, sciatic nerve crush injury (control); group 3, sciatic nerve crush injury+genistein 20 mg/kg; group 4, sciatic nerve crush injury+gabapentin 90 mg/kg; group 5, sciatic nerve transection+genistein 20 mg/kg; group 6, sciatic nerve transection+gabapentin 90 mg/kg. The effects of genistein and gabapentin were assessed with immunohistochemical staining for growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and myelin basic protein (MBP). Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α levels in the injured nerve specimens were assessed as a measure of inflammatory response; walking track analysis and sciatic function index for neurological recovery and the paw mechanical withdrawal threshold were examined for neuropathic pain. RESULTS:On histopathological examination, genistein use was associated with a greater immunoreactivity for GAP-43 and MBP compared with that associated with gabapentin. Genistein and gabapentin had similar effects on anti-inflammatory activity, functional recovery, and neuropathic pain. CONCLUSION:Genistein and gabapentin exhibit positive effects on histopathology, inflammation, and clinical findings of peripheral nerve injury. When the systemic side effects of gabapentin are considered, genistein (a basic soy isoflavone that has no side effects) can be used as an alternative to medical treatment in peripheral nerve injury.