[Evaluating the risk of sciatic nerve damage in the rabbit by administration of low and intermediate energy extracorporeal shock waves].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the likeliness for peripheral nerve lesions following extracorporeal shock wave application.


METHODS
82 rabbit sciatic nerves were randomized to undergo low-energetic (0.08 mJ/mm2), middle-energetic (0.28 mJ/mm2) or no (controls) shock wave therapy. After 1 to 28 days an independent neuropathologist checked the specimen for signs of neural lesions.


RESULTS
Only after 14 and 28 days vacuolic swelling of the axons was noted, somewhat pronounced in the middle-energetic group. In no case was there any disruption of the nerve's continuity. We did not observe any neurapraxia.


CONCLUSIONS
Shock wave application does not threaten peripheral nerve integrity in an animal model.
Rompe
J D
JD
Orthopädische Klinik, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
Bohl
J
J
Riehle
H M
HM
Schwitalle
M
M
Krischek
O
O
D000818:Animals; D004869:Equipment Safety; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D012307:Risk Factors; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology
Uberprüfung der Läsionsgefahr des N. ischiadicus des Kaninchens durch die Applikation niedrig- und mittelenergetischer extrakorporaler Stosswellen.