Nerve Allograft Transplantation

Abstract

Nerve allografts provide a temporary scaffold for host nerve regeneration of significant peripheral nerve defects. The cadaveric nerve allograft provides an unlimited graft source when there is insufficient amount of autologous nerves available for large nerve defects. These grafts are rapidly rejected unless appropriate recipient immunosuppression and tolerance are achieved. In contrast to solid organ transplantation and composite tissue transfers, nerve allograft transplantation requires only temporary immunosuppression. An optimal treatment method for nerve allograft transplantation must minimize or prevent rejection, while permitting nerve regeneration at the same time. The nature of nerve allograft transplantation experimental studies, strategies to prevent nerve allograft rejection, and reported clinical experiences are reviewed in this chapter.