Review: Bioengineering Approaches for Guided Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Peripheral nerve injury is a serious health concern for society, affecting 2.8% of trauma patients, many of whom acquire long-term disability, and the related socioeconomic costs are relatively expensive. Current techniques in peripheral nerve repair include the use of autografts and nerve conduits to bridge the nerve gap. Bioengineers have developed a variety of nerve conduits to improve nerve regeneration, as well as employed functionalized bioactive additives to the nerve conduits. Within such a discipline, adequate evaluation methods are extremely important for correctly assessing nerve repair and regeneration. There are histological, electrophysiological or functional analyses. This article reviews the research efforts that integrate bioengineering approaches.