Electromyographic and histologic evolution of the recurrent laryngeal nerve from transection and anastomosis to mature reinnervation

Abstract

Consistent EMG, histologic, and vocal fold motion changes occur at specific time periods during RLN reinnervation after transection and anastomosis in a rat model. Reinnervation is mature at 16 weeks. Findings corroborate theories of preferential and synkinetic reinnervation after RLN transection. Use of a rat model to investigate the effect of interventions on RLN reinnervation requires a minimum of 16 weeks between transection and investigation to allow for maturation of reinnervation.