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Review
. 2024 Mar 25;6(5):740-742.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2024.01.016. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Polyethylene Glycol Fusion and Nerve Repair Success: Practical Applications

Benjamin A Sarac  1 , Matthew Wordsworth  1 , Ryan W Schmucker  1
Affiliations
Review

Polyethylene Glycol Fusion and Nerve Repair Success: Practical Applications

Benjamin A Sarac et al. J Hand Surg Glob Online. .

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries are potentially devastating injuries leading to pain and impairment in motor and sensory functions. Since the first published use of microsurgical epineural repair of peripheral nerves in 1964, a wide variety of adjuncts have been studied. Polyethylene glycol is a fusogen that has been shown to restore axolemmal membranes. The use of polyethylene glycol in nerve injuries was first described in 1986, and animal studies have shown fusion of transected sensory and motor nerves following early application at the time of surgical repair with improved motor and sensory outcomes. Early human clinical trials have shown promising results, although more data are needed to provide specific indications and protocols. This article summarizes the background, current evidence, and future directions as well as potential applications of polyethylene glycol-mediated nerve fusion.

Keywords: Axon; Fusion; Nerve; PEG; Wallerian.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Schmucker participated in the Neuraptive Clinical Trial as the principal collaborator at our institution (Ohio State University) but received no direct individual funding neither the trial nor for this manuscript. No benefits in any form have been received or will be received by the other authors related directly to this article.

Figures

Figure
Figure
Repairing mammalian nerves with PEG-driven fusion. Figure adapted from Neumann et al.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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