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Stress relaxation of a peripheral nerve
E J Wall1, M K Kwan, B L Rydevik
1Division of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of California, San Diego.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Peripheral nerve repair involves stretching nerves, which causes stress relaxation. This study found that stretching rabbit tibial nerves 6% resulted in greater stress relaxation (48%) compared to 9% or 12% stretches (34%).
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Peripheral nerve repair often requires nerve lengthening.
- Understanding the biomechanical response of nerves to stretch is crucial for surgical outcomes.
- Nerve tissue exhibits viscoelastic properties, including stress relaxation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the stress relaxation in rabbit tibial nerves after acute lengthening.
- To investigate the relationship between the degree of nerve strain and stress relaxation.
- To provide biomechanical data relevant to peripheral nerve repair and stretch injuries.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four rabbit tibial nerves were used.
- Nerves were subjected to three different strain levels: 6%, 9%, and 12% beyond resting length.
- Stress relaxation was measured over one hour for each strain group.
Main Results:
- The mean 1-hour stress relaxation was 48% at 6% strain.
- The mean 1-hour stress relaxation was 34% at both 9% and 12% strain.
- Stress relaxation was significantly higher at 6% strain compared to 9% and 12% strains.
Conclusions:
- Acute nerve lengthening leads to significant stress relaxation, a key viscoelastic property.
- Lower strain levels (6%) induce greater stress relaxation than higher strain levels (9%, 12%).
- These findings have clinical implications for minimizing nerve damage during repair and managing stretch injuries.