The effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration after side-to-side neurorrhaphy

Objective: To study the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on peripheral nerve regeneration after side-to-side neurorrhaphy. Method: Eighteen rabbits, regardless of sex, were used (weight 2-2.5kg). The distal segment of the common peroneal nerves on both legs were sutured to the same side tibial nerve with epineural window, in an side-to-side neurorrhaphy. TENS was given to the right hindlimb postoperatively. The stimulation was applied to the animals for 30 min every day beginning a day after the nerve repair. The stimulation frequency was 2Hz, the current intensities ranged from 8 mA to 10 mA, and the wave-length was 0.4ms. Eighteen rabbits were randomly divided into 3 grous: namely 3w, 6w and 16w(n=8).Result: Investigation with electron microscope, electromyographic showed the treatment side were better recovered than the contral side.Electromyographic: On the treatment side, the counting rate of motor nerve measured was 40.60±12.49m/s, it was 22.50±7.12m/s on the control side which had significant difference(P0.05) by paired T test. The mean potential amplitude measured was 10.75±1.22mV and on the control side, it was 8.28±2.17mV. The mean amplitude of the treatment side was higher than the control side and the difference was statistically significant(P0.05) by paired T test. The latent period of CAMP had no significant difference(P0.05) on both sides.Conclusion:The existence of collateral sprouting is proved in the experimental study, TENS has beneficial influence on promoting peripheral nerve collateral sprouting after side-to-side neurorrhaphy.