Repairing injured peripheral nerves: Bridging the gap.
Peripheral nerve injuries that induce gaps larger than 1-2 cm require bridging strategies for repair. Autologous nerve grafts are still the gold standard for such interventions, although alternative treatments, as well as treatments to improve the therapeutic efficacy of autologous nerve grafting are generating increasing interest. Investigations are still mostly experimental, although some clinical studies have been undertaken. In this review, we aim to describe the developments in bridging technology which aim to replace the autograft. A multi-disciplinary approach is of utmost importance to develop and optimise treatments of the most challenging peripheral nerve injuries.
Deumens
Ronald
R
Department of Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. r.deumens@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Bozkurt
Ahmet
A
Meek
Marcel F
MF
Marcus
Marco A E
MA
Joosten
Elbert A J
EA
Weis
Joachim
J
Brook
Gary A
GA
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006801:Humans; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D019737:Transplants; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins