Study on the Crush Injury Model of the Sciatic Nerve in Rabbits by Conventional Ultrasound and Elastography

Background: The crush injury model of the sciatic nerve in rabbits is a common nerve injury model, but there is little literature on the evaluation of nerve stiffness by ultrasound elastography. Purpose: To explore the value of ultrasound elastography in diagnosing crush injury of the sciatic nerve in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Forty cases of crush injury model of the sciatic nerve in rabbits were examined by conventional ultrasound and elastography. The sonographic manifestations and stiffness of the model were analyzed, and the regularity of nerve injury with time was summarized. Results: Ultrasound could clearly show the location, range, and thickness of the injured nerve in this model. The thickness of the injured area reached a peak in the 2nd week and returned to normal thickness in the 8th week. The nerve stiffness of the injured area increased gradually with time. Conclusion: Conventional ultrasound combined with elastography can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the morphological changes and mechanical properties of the injured sciatic nerve in rabbits, which may be of great significance to the repair and rehabilitation of peripheral nerve crush injuries.