Mechanical loading of peripheral nerves during remobilisation of the affected member after end-to-end anastomosis

Our study involved simulating end-to-end neurorrhaphy of the sciatic nerve in a number of rabbits and analysing in vivo the mechanical loads acting on the nerve while the affected member was being remobilised. We found both the suture and mobilisation loads to be related to the size of the nerve defect. In each case, traction force, strain, and stress were proportional. The effect which these experimental findings may have on the future use of flexing neighbouring joints as a "manipulative" measure to achieve a tension-free nerve suture will be discussed.