Comparison of Nerve Regeneration Rates Following Controlled Freezing or Crushing

Abstract

Experiments were performed on groups of rats wherein the exposed sciatic nerve was frozen at various temperatures from 0 to −60 C. Loss of function and return thereof were observed and compared with that following crushing with a hemostat. Colder temperatures produced the same result as did crushing with a hemostat, that is, total loss of function and then return in about 17 days. The less cold freezing temperatures resulted in either partial or no loss of function. The administration of methylprednisolone acetate had no effect in altering the degree of injury on the rats or completeness of return of function.