Functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury in the transgenic Thy1-GFP rat.

Transgenic mice have been previously used to assess nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. However, mouse models are limited by their small caliber nerves, short nerve lengths, and their inability to fully participate during behavioral assessments. The transgenic Thy1 GFP rat is a novel transgenic rat model designed to assess regeneration following peripheral nerve injury.

Fibrin gels containing GDNF microspheres increase axonal regeneration after delayed peripheral nerve repair.

Aim: Recovery following nerve transection declines when target reconnection is delayed for prolonged periods. GDNF has previously been shown to promote motor axon regeneration following delayed nerve repair.

Materials & Methods: We constructed delivery systems using fibrin gels containing free GDNF or poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with GDNF.

Is the term "obstetrical brachial plexus palsy" obsolete? An international survey to assess consensus among peripheral nerve surgeons.

Background: Brachial plexus injury diagnosed following delivery often causes lifelong disability and frequently results in litigation. While there is no universally accepted name for this condition, the term 'obstetrical brachial plexus palsy' (OBPP) is commonly used worldwide. The difficulty with the term 'OBPP' lies with the use of the word 'obstetrical', which some have construed to imply obstetrical malpractice even if none occurred.