High-freqency ultrasonographic observation on the acute crush injury of sciatic nerve in rabbits

Objective To evaulate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasonography on observing the acute crush injury of sciatic nerve in rabbits. Methods A total of 16 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups according to different observation time points. Models of acute crush injury of sciatic nerve in rabbits were established and observed by high-frequency ultrasonography 1,2,4 and 8 weeks respectively after damage. The internal radius of bilateral sciatic nerves were measured on the same levels. Results The echoism and internal radius of sciatic nerves was changed after the acute crush injury.The change was consistent to the dynamic change of the degeneration and regeneration of nerve and the function of limbs after damage. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasonography can reflect the course of nerve degeneration and regeneration correspondently in real time. It provides a new morphological diagnostic approach for peripheral nerve damage.