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.