[The possibilities of using a non-degradable materials as conduits in peripheral nerve reconstructions]

Rupture of the nerve is indication to perform reconstruction by direct neurorrhaphy or with autogenic nerve grafts. An alternative to using nerve grafts may be employ of an artificial conduits consisted of degradable or non-degradable polymers. In this study we presented the possibilities of using of non-degradable polymers in experimental studies and medical practice. The advantages of these materials were emphasized, but also limitations in its use were described. Directions in future progress and possibilities of enrichment nerve conduits by nerve regeneration facilitating factors such as: Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neurotrophic factors (NGF, GDNF, CNTF, VEGF, PDGF), extracellular matrix elements (collagen, laminin, fibronectin) and structural elements improving axon regeneration (filaments) were also described. In summary the properties of useful in medical practice neural tube were established. All indicate that future directions of experimental studies on using polymers in peripheral nerve reconstructions will be based on degradable materials. The role of non-degradable materials will be limited to using as control groups in experimental studies and in studies of following nerve regeneration improving factors.