My professional interest in clinical neurosurgery is the disorders of peripheral nerves – with the focus on neurologic restoration through nerve surgery. In contrast to injuries of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system is capable of substantial regeneration and subsequent recovery of function. This innate capacity of nerves to heal, although delicate and imperfect, provides opportunities for impressive recovery and return of function. Because nerve stretch injuries are among the most devastating, formidable and complex injuries, it is a natural draw for intellectual inquiry. I have focused my interests in a step-wise understanding of the biomechanical properties of nerve in order to develop an accurate animal model for investigating nerve stretch injuries. Since joining the faculty at the University of Utah, I have focused my attention on developing a precise nerve stretch injury system. The goal of this work is to develop a platform for investigating potential clinical treatments for nerve stretch injuries.
Mark A. Mahan, MD