Experimental studies with clinical application to peripheral nerve injury: a review of the past decade

A great deal of information concerning nerve regeneration after injury and repair has been developed during the past decade. Technologic advances concerned with the mechanics of repair have probably reached their nadir and other means of promoting more efficient central to peripheral connections will need to be sought. Studies which relate central nervous system regenerative events to those occurring in the periphery should provide additional needed information. At this time research workers must concentrate on control of scar formation at the suture line and the correct orientation of regenerating axons toward their peripheral connections. These goals will most likely be achieved by biochemical manipulations at the cellular level.