| Abstract: | Objective: To observe the subclinical damage and natural repairing process of the tibial nerve during and after limb lengthening with slow stretching in 10 rabbits. Methods: The tibia of Japanese rabbits was lengthened by 4O%. Before, during and in the following 8 weeks after the limb elongation, the compound sensory evoked potential (CSEP) of posterior tibial nerves in both hind limbs was recorded with electrophysiological instrument. The histological changes were observed under light and electron microscope . Results: During limb lengthening, significant changes in the latent period, peak value and area of the CSEP were fond. The latent period recovered by 50% ac 65% respectively in 2th and 4th week after the tibia being lengthened by 40%. An the 3 parameters of the CSEP, were restored up to 95% as the control in 8th week after elongation and the histological damages also recovered at the same time. Conclusion: The subclinical damage of the peripheral nerve during limb lengthening is temporary and convertible with Ilizarov's 1] gradual limb lengthening method . |
