Repair and rehabilitation of plexus and root avulsions in animal models and patients.
OBJECTIVE
This review will discuss recent progress in experimental and translational research related to surgical repair of proximal nerve root injuries, and emerging potential therapies, which may be combined with replantation surgeries to augment functional outcomes after brachial plexus and cauda equina injuries.


RESULTS
Progress in experimental studies of root and peripheral nerve injuries has identified potential candidates for adjunctive therapies, which may be combined with surgical replantation of avulsed roots after brachial plexus and cauda equina injuries. We will discuss recent advances related to adjunctive neuroprotective strategies, neurotrophic factor delivery, and emerging cellular treatment strategies after extensive nerve root trauma. We will also provide an update on electrical stimulation to promote regenerative axonal growth and new insights on the recovery of sensory functions after root injury and repair.


CONCLUSIONS
In the light of recent advances in experimental studies, we envision that future repair of brachial plexus and cauda equina injuries will include spinal cord surgery to restore motor and sensory trajectories and a variety of adjunctive therapies to augment the recovery of neurological function.
Havton
Leif A
LA
Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. lhavton@mednet.ucla.edu
Carlstedt
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors