Polyethylene Glycol to Improve Sensation Following Digital Nerve Laceration

The Use of Polyethylene Glycol to Improve Sensation Following Digital Nerve Laceration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PEG is a fusogen, a type of chemical that aids in mediating cell fusion. PEG helps nerve cells recover neuronal continuity by removing plasmalemmal-bound water which opens the axonal ends on both sides of the injury. Opening axonal ends permits the nerve ends to reconnect and begin regeneration. PEG has been tested on animal models extensively and in earthworm models has been shown to induce fusion rates in 80-100% of neuronal cells. In crushed or severed mammalian sciatic nerves PEG has enhanced neuronal continuity to baseline functioning levels.

Human applications for PEG have been tested by Bamba and colleagues in a case series with encouraging results. No studies, to our knowledge, have prospectively examined the use of PEG in peripheral nerve injuries. We propose a placebo controlled, double-blinded randomized controlled trial to test the hypothesis that local PEG administration can enhance sensory nerve regeneration following digital nerve transection compared to surgery alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) surgery within twenty-four hours of injury (2) surgery completed in the minor procedures unit of the Halifax Infirmary.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) patients with cognitive impairment