THE ENHANCEMENT OF NERVE REGENERATION USING GROWTH-FACTORS - A BRIEF REVIEW

The management of peripheral nerve injuries continues to challenge the surgeon. Despite advances in surgical technique, return of normal fun ction is uncommon after the repair of a transected nerve. It is now po ssible to enhance the process of nerve regeneration in animals using g rowth factors carried in silicone nerve guides. In this article the bi ological process of nerve regeneration is described and contemporary r esearch involving the use of growth factor implants to facilitate nerv e regeneration is reviewed.