Ketorolac Tromethamine Promotes Functional Recovery and Enhances Nerve Regeneration After Sciatic Nerve Trauma in Rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) in sciatic nerve trauma model. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven Wistar rats with normal motor activity were used. Group Sham (n:3): Surgical procedure without sciatic nerve trauma was applied. Group S (n: 12): One mL saline was administered intraperitoneally four times at 6 hours intervals after nerve trauma with an aneurysm clip. Group KT (n: 12): One mL 50 mg/kg KT was administered intraperitoneally in the same time periods. 24 hours after nerve trauma, subjects were randomised into 2 groups as acute and chronic. The footprints of rats were scanned in acute group for 3 days and in chronic group on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. Static sciatic index (SSI) was calculated. Sciatic nerve sections were assessed histopathologically. Results: When SSI mean values were compared there were no significant difference between chronic groups until 42. day. But on 42. day in Group KT SSI mean value was significantly higher (p<0.05). In acute Group KT; axon diameter mean values were significantly higher and fibroblast count mean values were significantly lower than Group S (p<0.05). In chronic Group KT; axon diameter, myelin diameter, axon count mean values were significantly higher (p<0.05) and fibroblast and mast cell count mean values were significantly lower than Group S (p<0.05). Conclusion: In sciatic nerve trauma model, we have established that four times intraperitoneal 50 mg/kg of KT is associated with improvement of motor function.