Introduction: Over the last decade, a number of models have investigated the usefulness of different biologic and/or sythetic matrices as alternatives to conventional nervegrafts. Still axonal regeneration did not occur over longer (> 3cm) distances. One problem may be that a growth-promoting environment does not only include physical cues, but also a rich spectrum of different growth factors provided by reactive Schwann cells. Furthermore, if a tissue engineered graft is to be successful, it must provide this environment over prolongued periods of time. In the current study we have investigated whether a hybrid graft consisting of first generation autologous Schwann cells seeded onto a homologous gelmatrix can aid regeneration across a critical nerve defect in a rat model. Materials and Methods: In this paradigm, Schwann cells were not expanded in vitro, but harvested from the proximal stump neuroma at the time of reconstruction and seeded unto a homologous cell free matrix suspended in a sythetic polylysine gel. Regeneration was quantitated with functional muscle testing, regular histology, histomorphometry, and retrograde tracing techniques 8 weeks after reconstruction. Results: First results indicate successful regeneration over the entire distance, however only preliminary results are available at this time. The full report will be provided at the time of the meeting. Conclusion: The presented experiment seeks to create a hybrid graft where the proximal stump neuroma is used as a biological resource of autologous Schwann cells that are seeded unto an acellular homologous gelmatrix, thus providing both physical and chemical support to regenerating axons.