Experimental nerve regeneration. A review.

The aim of peripheral nerve repair is to restore motor and sensory function, which requires more than just 10-0 sutures and a good microscope. The past decade has seen an explosion in the understanding of how nerves grow, and this information is being used to develop better treatments for nerve injuries. In the future, treatment will not be limited to the operating room, because postoperative adjuvant therapies will become increasingly more important in the management of nerve repairs. At the same time, advancement in manufacturing techniques, a better understanding of biomaterials, and the use of the laser will replace the time-honored techniques of surgical repair in many clinical settings.