The response of the peripheral nerve field to controlled soft tissue expansion

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of controlled soft tissue expansion on the peripheral nerve field. The rat model was used with single neurone recordings at the dorsal root level related to areas of skin previously expanded over a period of 2-4 weeks. Parameters measured were: stimulation threshold, receptive field size, conduction velocity and afferent disconnection. Results indicated a sparing of neural function despite an expansion in skin area of 110%.