Current Trends and Future Perspectives for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury may result in severe disability with substantial social and personal cost, and a potentially devastating impact to patients' quality of life. Advances in peripheral nerve surgery, regeneration, and rehabilitation; better understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular basis of nerve injury; and refined microsurgical techniques have contributed to accelerated nerve regeneration and improved outcome for the patients. Experimental research has evolved the process of regeneration using pharmacological agents, bioengineering of sophisticated nerve conduits, pluripotent stem cells, and gene therapy. This chapter attempts a brief overview of the basic principles of nerve repair, current concepts, and future perspectives of peripheral nerve regeneration.