Rat Hindlimb Below-Knee Amputation Model and Immediate Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pain Research
• Surgical Models

Background:

• Amputation-related pain significantly impacts quality of life, opioid use, and functional recovery.
• Reliable preclinical models are crucial for understanding post-amputation pain mechanisms and developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a detailed and reproducible rodent surgical protocol for modeling hindlimb below-knee amputation.
• To establish a model that preserves animal mobility for longitudinal pain behavior assessment.
• To provide a flexible platform for investigating amputation-related pain and potential interventions.

Main Methods:

• A below-knee amputation protocol in Sprague-Dawley rats involving sciatic nerve branch transection (tibial, common peroneal, sural).
• Assessment of post-amputation nerve pathology and pain-related behaviors (reflexive and spontaneous).
• Adaptation for targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) by coapting transected nerves.

Main Results:

• The surgical protocol reliably produces sustained post-amputation nerve pathology and pain behaviors.
• Rats exhibit preserved mobility, enabling immediate post-operative ambulation and eating/drinking.
• Pain behaviors are robust over time, allowing for longitudinal studies without motor impairment confounding results.

Conclusions:

• This rodent model offers a robust and reproducible platform for studying amputation-related pain and neuroma formation.
• The preserved mobility allows for comprehensive behavioral testing and evaluation of interventions like TMR.
• The model is valuable for translational research aimed at improving outcomes for amputees.