The effect of tibial lengthening on gastrosoleus muscle function: an electrophysiological study
Abstract
Objectives: We evaluated the changes in electrophysiological characteristics of the contraction forces of the gastrosoleus complex due to stretching in experimental tibial lengthening.
Methods: Distraction histiogenesis was performed in 22 guinea pigs weighing 600 to 800 g. Following the application of a semicircular external fixator and right tibial osteotomy, distraction was applied at a rate of 0.25 mm two times a day for 15 days without a latency period. The animals were randomized to two groups. In the study group, a foot plate preventing ankle plantar flexion was affixed to the external fixator, while ankle motions were unrestricted in the control group. On days 5, 10, and 15, the posterior tibial nerve was stimulated with a nerve stimulator at a constant frequency. Gastrosoleus muscle contractions were measured with a transducer and contraction forces were recorded.
Results: On day 5, muscle contraction forces measured in the study group were much higher than the control group (p
Methods: Distraction histiogenesis was performed in 22 guinea pigs weighing 600 to 800 g. Following the application of a semicircular external fixator and right tibial osteotomy, distraction was applied at a rate of 0.25 mm two times a day for 15 days without a latency period. The animals were randomized to two groups. In the study group, a foot plate preventing ankle plantar flexion was affixed to the external fixator, while ankle motions were unrestricted in the control group. On days 5, 10, and 15, the posterior tibial nerve was stimulated with a nerve stimulator at a constant frequency. Gastrosoleus muscle contractions were measured with a transducer and contraction forces were recorded.
Results: On day 5, muscle contraction forces measured in the study group were much higher than the control group (p
References
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