Peripheral Nerve Injuries: Impact, Solutions and Innovation

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) remain a significant clinical challenge, impacting both patients’ quality of life and healthcare systems globally. This paper examines the individual and societal burdens of PNIs, reviewing current therapeutic strategies, including pharmacology, neuromodulation, surgery, and rehabilitation. Despite advancements, these approaches often fail to restore complex nerve functions, particularly in severe cases. We propose a novel implantable system that bypasses nerve lesions by recording neural activity proximally, process ing the signals externally, and delivering precise stimulation distally. The system integrates multi-contact cuffs for both sensing and stimulation, ensuring minimal invasiveness and enhanced safety. We present a detailed analysis of the system’s signal processing techniques, including noise reduction and feature extraction, and its potential for motor and sensory restoration. Furthermore, we explore the translational path for this technology, focusing on clinical trials, regulatory approval, and stakeholder alignment, including patients, clinicians, manufacturers, and payers. This solution aims to bridge existing gaps in PNI treatment by providing a functional bypass that restores nerve function while reducing long-term healthcare costs.