Mechanical Loading for Peripheral Nerve Stabilization and Regeneration
Abstract
Peripheral nerve damage is one consequence of injury to the extremities of soldiers by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The degree of functional recovery from peripheral nerve damage is often poor, particularly for severed nerves. The result can be impaired motor function, sensory loss, and chronic pain with inappropriate autonomic responses. Consequently, strategies for enhancing nervous function are of high military relevance. Towards the development of more effective nerve regeneration strategies, this proposal addresses the hypothesis that moderate tensile loading (stretch) of peripheral nerves can stabilize nerve degradation and also promote accelerated regeneration. Our project aims are to 1) To examine the impact of low levels of tensile loading on the Wallerian degeneration of proximal and distal stumps of severed peripheral nerves and 2) To examine the impact of moderate levels of tensile loading on promoting the outgrowth and functional connectivity of severed peripheral nerves. To meet these aims, in the second project period, based on results from initial in vivo implantations, we modified our two nerve lengthening devices, one a fixed length and one extensible, and are currently performing long-term implantations to test the effectiveness of these devices for nerve regeneration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA581724
Entities
People
- Robin E. Wilson
- Sameer B Shah
- Ting-hsien Chuang
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego