Publications

Featured Publications of the Quarter

The following articles have been selected as our featured publications of the quarter.

Published in The Journal of Hand Surgery, this study, titled "Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System for Nerve Preservation of Nerve Isografts Improves Functional Recovery After Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction With Polyethylene Glycol-Mediated Fusion”, evaluated whether combining the Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System for nerve (MOPS-N) with polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion (PEGf) improves functional recovery following peripheral nerve reconstruction. In a rat sciatic nerve gap model, animals were randomized into six groups: MOPS-N isografts stored 28 or 56 days with PEGf, Normosol-preserved isografts stored 28 or 56 days with PEGf, autograft, and autograft with PEGf. Functional recovery was assessed over six weeks using sciatic functional index, rotarod performance, and hindlimb grip strength, along with muscle mass and histomorphometric analysis.

MOPS-N–preserved isografts demonstrated superior functional outcomes compared with Normosol-preserved grafts and autografts without PEGf. By six weeks, MOPS-N groups showed significantly improved sciatic function, greater rotarod performance, and near-baseline grip strength, along with higher muscle mass and more uniform axonal structure. Outcomes were comparable to or exceeded those of the autograft with PEGf group.

These findings suggest that MOPS-N preservation combined with PEG-fusion enhances nerve regeneration and functional recovery following large-gap peripheral nerve injuries, supporting its translational potential as a strategy to improve graft viability and availability.

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Published in Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, this study, titled "Lived Experiences of Vertebral Body Tethering: A Qualitative Study of the Patient Journey", explored the experiences of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent anterior vertebral body tethering (VBT), focusing on decision-making, recovery, and long-term concerns. Interviews with 20 patients who completed three years of follow-up revealed that pain, curve progression, brace use, and appearance were key factors influencing treatment decisions. VBT was often preferred over fusion due to perceived benefits such as preserved flexibility, less invasiveness, and shorter recovery.

Recovery experiences were mixed, with some patients reporting difficult early recovery but overall satisfaction, while others described prolonged pain and limitations. Most participants noted reduced anxiety after surgery but continued to express concerns about long-term outcomes and potential future procedures.

These findings highlight the importance of patient-centered care and the need for further research comparing long-term outcomes and quality of life between VBT and fusion.

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