Experience with Nerve Allograft Transplantation

Nerve allograft transplantation should be used for the repair of devastating peripheral nerve injuries that cannot be reconstructed through traditional means such as autologous nerve grafting or nerve transfer procedures. The risks of required systemic immunosuppression, although only temporary for nerve allograft recipients, preclude widespread use of this treatment modality. Translational research has led to several advancements in this field including the use of preoperative allograft cold preservation in University of Wisconsin organ preservation solution and inclusion of tacrolimus as part of the immunosuppressive regimen. Investigation of how to further diminish nerve allograft immunogenicity, speed neuroregeneration by use of agents such as tacrolimus, and promote preferential motor regeneration will further advance this field with the goal of restoring optimal function while minimizing patient morbidity.