Nerve allograft transplantation for functional restoration of the upper extremity: case series

Major injuries to the spinal cord or upper extremity can cause severe sensory and motor problems due to damage to the brachial plexus. This study explores using nerve allografts (nerves from deceased donors or living-related donors) to repair these injuries and restore function. The main challenge in nerve grafting is the limited supply of the patient's own nerves (autologous grafts). Allografts offer a potential solution by providing a larger supply of donor nerves, which can lead to more complete repairs and better functional outcomes. This study reports on a series of eight patients who underwent nerve allograft transplantation. The results suggest that this procedure can be performed safely and may allow for more complete repair of nerve defects, leading to improved functional restoration.

• 1
  Seven out of eight patients showed signs of nerve regeneration after allograft transplantation, indicated by return of sensory and motor function or a migrating Tinel’s sign.
• 2
  There were no cases of graft rejection in the study, except for one patient who was non-compliant with immunosuppressive therapy.
• 3
  The use of nerve allografts allowed for more complete repair of long, multi-level brachial plexus injuries, potentially leading to greater functional restoration compared to autografting alone.