A new nerve-muscle unit model for peripheral nerve studies in rats

Abstract

Ischiatic, femoral and tibial nerves are commonly utilized in the studies of peripheral nerve surgery in rats. The authors present a new nerve-muscle unit model in which the nerve is distal. enough to minimize morbidity and the muscle is convenient for all electromyographic studies. Twenty-five Wistar-Albino rats were used. In the control group; normal electromyography and histology were demonstrated in the lateral tibial nerve (LTN) and in the flexor digiti quinti brev's (FDQB)muscle. In experi mental group I; a 0.5 cm nerve gap was made in the LT nerve and the proximal end was buried in the muscle in order to prevent reinnervation. In experimental group II, the LTN was cut and repaired primarily. In both groups I and II, electromyographic and histologic studies were performed at 6 and 12 weeks.