Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of hypertonic dextrose injection on the
subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) in a rabbit model. We hypothesized that
dextrose injection would induce proliferation of the SSCT, hinder median nerve
conduction, and alter SSCT mechanical properties, similar to what is observed in
patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled
prospective study. SETTING: Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS: New Zealand white
rabbits (N=28) weighing 4.0 to 4.5kg. INTERVENTION: One forepaw was randomly
injected with 0.1mL 10% dextrose solution. The contralateral paw was injected
with a similar amount of 0.9% saline solution as a control. Animals were killed
at 12 weeks after injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Animals were evaluated by
electrophysiology (EP), mechanical testing, and histology. EP was evaluated by
distal motor latency and amplitude. Shear force was evaluated when the middle
digit flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was pulled out from the carpal
tunnel. The ultimate tensile load and the energy absorption were also measured.
Tissue for histology was evaluated qualitatively. RESULTS: EP demonstrated
significant prolongation of distal motor latency. The energy absorption and
stiffness were also significantly increased in the dextrose group.
Histologically, the dextrose group showed thickening of the collagen bundles and
vascular proliferation within the SSCT compared with the saline group.
CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the findings in patients with CTS
and suggest that hypertonic dextrose injection has the potential to create a
novel animal model in which to study the evolution of CTS.

Langue : ANGLAIS