Study of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on peripheral nerve regeneration after end - to - side neurorrhaphy

Objective To study the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on peripheral nerve regeneration after end - to - side neurorrhaphy. Methods 18 rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The common peroneal nerve on both sides was transected and then its distal end sutured to the tibial nerve with epineural window in an end - to - side fashion. TENS was given to the left hindlimb postoperatively for 6 weeks. The right hindlimb served as control without electrical stimulation. Gross appearance observation, histological, electrophysiological, and transmission electron microscopic examination, and anterior tibial muscle wet weight measurement were carried out at 3, 6 and 16 weeks postoperatively. Results Compared with the control side, the experimental side had more regenerating myelinated nerve fibers, faster motor nerve conduction velocity, higher amplitude of composite muscle action potential, and heavier anterior tibial muscle wet weight. The maturity of myelin sheath of the common peroneal nerve was also superior. Conclusions TENS had beneficial influence on promoting peripheral nerve collateral sprouting after end - to - side neurorrhaphy and reduce denervation muscle atrophy.