Generating a Rat Model of Tibial Neuroma Transposition

Abstract

Source: Brakkee, E. M., et al. Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (2023).

This video demonstrates a procedure to generate a rat tibial neuroma transposition (TNT) model. After exposing the tibial nerve in the hind leg of an anesthetized rat, transect the nerve. Next, create a subcutaneous tunnel, thread the severed nerve through the tunnel, and suture it in place. In the absence of a target for reinnervation, disorganized axonal outgrowths from the severed nerve form a neuroma, which triggers neuropathic pain by exciting nociceptors.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Anesthesia and preparation

NOTE: This study was conducted on 15 male Sprague Dawley rats that were 12 weeks old.

1. Anesthetize the animals by induction with 5% isoflurane and maintain anesthesia with 2%-3% isoflurane.
   

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Carprofen	Local Veterinary Pharmacy	n/a	The local veterinary pharmacy makes caprofen dilution
Cotton swabs	Nobamed	974255
Electrocautery	Fine Science Tools	18010-00
Ethanol 70%	Interchema BV	400406
Ethilon 4.0	Johnson & Johnson	1854G	IMPORTANT: the color should be blue or black
Ethilon 8.0	Johnson & Johnson	BV130-5
Isoflo, isoflurane Zoetis	Dechra Veterinary Products	B506
Mesh bottom cages	StoeltingCo	57816 and 57824
Micro forceps	Fine Science Tools	11251-35
Micro needle holder	Fine Science Tools	12076-12
Micro scissors	Fine Science Tools	15019-10
Micro tweezers	Fine Science Tools	11254-20
NaCl 0.9%	Trademed	H7 1000-FRE
Needle holder	Fine Science Tools	12004-16
Ophthalmic ointment	Local Veterinary Pharmacy	n/a	The local veterinary pharmacy makes the ophthalmic ointment
Scalpel	Fine Science Tools	10003-12
Scissors	Fine Science Tools	14001-12
Stereo surgical microscope	Leica	A60 F
Sterile sheet with hole	Evercare OneMed	1555-01
Surgical blade nr.15	Fine Science Tools	10015-00
Tweezers	Fine Science Tools	11617-12