The role of nerve allografts and conduits for nerve injuries.
Nerve repair after transection has variable and unpredictable outcomes. In addition to advancements in microvascular surgical techniques, nerve allografts and conduits are available options in peripheral nerve reconstruction. When tensionless nerve repair is not feasible, or in chronic injuries, autografts have been traditionally used. As substitute to autografts, decellularized allografts and conduits have become available. These conduits can reduce donor site morbidity, functional loss at the donor area in cases where autografts are used, and immune reaction from transplants or unprocessed allografts. The development of new biomaterials for use in conduits, as well as use of cytokines, growth factors, and other luminal fillers, may help in the treatment of acute and chronic nerve injuries. The indications and properties of nerve conduits and allografts are detailed in this article.
Rivlin
Michael
M
Department of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Room 801, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Sheikh
Emran
E
Isaac
Roman
R
Beredjiklian
Pedro K
PK
D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009431:Neural Conduction; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous