Experimental stretch neuropathy. Changes in nerve conduction under tension

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Wall-E-J. Massie-J-B. Kwan-M-K. Rydevik-B-L. Myers-R-R. Garfin-S-R. Department of Orthopaedics, UCSD Medical Center 92103. J-Bone-Joint-Surg-[Br]. 1992 Jan. 74(1). P 126-9. We developed an animal model of stretch injury to nerve in order to study in vivo conduction changes as a function of nerve strain. In 24 rabbits, the tibial nerve was exposed and stretched by 0%, 6% or 12% of its length. The strain was maintained for one hour. Nerve conduction was monitored during the period of stretch and for a one-hour recovery period. At 6% strain, the amplitude of the action potential had decreased by 70% at one hour and returned to normal during the recovery period. At 12% strain, conduction was completely blocked by one hour, and showed minimal recovery. These findings have clinical implications in nerve repair, limb trauma, and limb lengthening. Author-abstract.