Peripheral Nerve Injury Model with Conduit Scaffold Implantation

Model Description
Peripheral nerve defects (>5mm gap) result in permanent motor/sensory dysfunction and remain a critical clinical challenge. Our nerve conduit scaffold model provides:
• Autograft alternative: Mimics human nerve repair strategies (FDA 510(k)-cleared scaffold materials)
• Personalized therapy simulation: 3D-printed conduits with tunable porosity (50-200μm)
• Translational endpoints: Axonal regeneration quantification & functional recovery tracking

 Applications
• Nerve conduit biomaterial testing (degradation rate, biocompatibility)
• Axon regeneration mechanism studies (NGF/GDNF pathway)
• Surgical technique optimization for critical-size nerve defects
• Comparative studies vs. gold-standard autografts 

Modeling Protocols

1. Negative Control Group (Defect Model)

• Expose sciatic nerve via posterolateral muscle blunt dissection
• Create 20mm defect 5mm distal to piriformis foramen

2. Conduit Scaffold Group

• Bridge defect with PCL/Colagen conduit (ID=1.5mm)
• Secure with 10-0 nylon microsurgical sutures

3. Autograft Group (Gold Standard)

Reverse 20mm resected nerve segment

Perform end-to-end epineurial repair

 Validation & Testing