Morphofunctional Changes in the Tibial and Peroneal Nerves in Shin Lengthening Using High Speed Daily Distraction Technique

Abstract

A sustained decrease in the M-response amplitudes of m. gastrocnemius and m. tibialis anterior was revealed during experimental orthopedic shin lengthening in dogs using Ilizarov external fixator with an automated drive (distraction 3 mm/day in 120 steps). Transverse contraction of intrafascicular content (by 13.2%), endoneural hypervascularization (by 28-95%), axonal degeneration and myelin decompactization, and destructive changes of no more than 5% fibers were detected in the tibial nerve. In the peroneal nerve, the contraction reached 17.3%. Endoneurium hypovascularization (by 12%), axonal degeneration and demyelinization, and destructive changes of more than 20% fibers were detected in 6 of 9 experiments.