[An experimental study on compression neuropathy--the effect of neurolysis on the blood-nerve barrier]

The effects of neurolysis on the sciatic nerves of normal controls and in dogs with compression neuropathy were evaluated by macroscopic and electrophysiological studies. The function of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) was also assessed by Evans blue albumin. Studies on normal sciatic nerves (normal controls): In the epineurectomy group, neither scars nor denervation potentials were recognized. Moreover, the motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and BNB were found to remain normal. In the perineurotomy group, on the other hand, scar formation at the surrounding tissue and denervation potentials were evident. BNB function was impaired and persisted for at least eight weeks. Studies on the compression neuropathy model: MNCV was increased in both the external neurolysis group and the epineurectomy group, and BNB function required six weeks to recover. MNCV was increased in the perineurotomy group, adhesion was severe, and denervation potentials and impairment of the BNB continued. In conclusion, both external neurolysis and epineurectomy restore the function of compressed nerves. There is no significant difference between these methods. Perineurotomy is not considered an appropriate technique for managing compression neuropathy.