To evaluate the usefulness of titanium clips applied for the repair of transected peripheral nerve.

The results of neurorrhaphy using a titanium clip (VCS) was compared with the conventional technique of neurorrhaphy with a nylon suture. In fifteen New Zealand white rabbits, transected sciatic nerves were repaired with VCS clips on one side and interrupted 9-0 nylon suture on the other.

The time required for the neurorrhaphy was 14.9±3.55 minutes for suture closure and 8.7±2.6 minutes for clip closure (p<0.01). Electromyographic studies were performed at 1, 2 and 3 months after the initial operations. No significant differences in the amplitudes of the complex motor action potentials were noted between the groups. In the microscopic study, no significant differences in the numbers and the extents of myelinization of the regenerated axons of both methods of nerorrhaphy were evident.

The titanium clip that was initially designed for microvascular anastomosis can be applied successfully for the microscopic neurorrhaphy of the peripheral nerve. Microscopic neurorrhaphy with titanium clips can be performed more rapidly than conventional suture repair.