Modeling Postoperative Nerve Regeneration Using Diffusion MRI: A Preclinical Study of a Novel Mathematical Approach.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction/aims

Nerve regeneration after injury must occur in a timely fashion to restore function. Current methods of assessment provide limited information following trauma, resulting in delayed management and suboptimal outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the ability of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a mathematical model based on the Gompertz function to monitor nerve regeneration after injury and repair.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to two treatment groups (sham = 2, cut, immediate repair = 7), and in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks post-surgery. Functional recovery was evaluated weekly over the same time period via the sciatic functional index (SFI).

Results

After injury, SFI and DTI-

SUBMITTER: Esteve IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803670 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature