SUMMARY
The research interests of Nicholas A. Pulos, M.D., include solving problems affecting the upper extremity through clinical studies and basic science experiments. Clinically, Dr. Pulos is interested in pediatric upper extremity injuries and congenital hand differences as well as microvascular reconstruction of bone, soft tissue and nerve injuries. In the basic science laboratory, his focus is on enhancing nerve regeneration through modulation of the local environment. Dr. Pulos also is a co-investigator for the Neural Regenerative Research Laboratory.
As a surgeon-scientist, Dr. Pulos uses his clinical expertise to design basic science experiments with the potential to be practically translated to clinical medicine to treat patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
Focus areas
- Comparative studies and outcomes of treatment methods for upper extremity injuries. Pulos has spent the past decade reporting the results of clinical diagnostic tools and treatment options for a variety of conditions, including fractures, tendon and ligamentous injuries, and nerve damage.
- Enhancement of nerve allografts. Dr. Pulos has received intramural and extramural funding to evaluate how alterations to the local environment enhance the regenerative capacity of processed nerve allografts.
Significance to patient care
The use of a patient's own nerve for reconstruction of mixed and motor nerve gaps remains the gold standard but is beset with challenges, including availability and donor site morbidity. The use of processed cadaveric nerves as a substitute is an attractive option but has failed to show comparable outcomes in clinical studies. Dr. Pulos' basic science research aims to narrow this outcome gap by modulating the local environment to improve the regenerative capacity of processed nerve allografts, giving patients more treatment options for peripheral nerve injuries.
Professional highlights
- American Society for Peripheral Nerve (ASPN) Annual Meeting Best Oral Poster Award, 2022
- American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand (AFSH) Basic Science Grant, 2021
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Young Leaders, 2021