Animal Models of Neuroma 

Models of nerve injury are useful in evaluating compound effects on nerve regeneration. The stretch model is a model of nerve injury that involves a later onset of functional recovery compared to the crush model. Neuroma develops at day 54.

The Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) model is a partial denervation model, in which the common peroneal and tibial nerves are injured, producing consistent and reproducible tactile hypersensitivity in the skin territory of the spared, intact sural nerve. It is commonly used to study neuroma that forms at 28 days following surgery. 

Readouts:

• Histology
• Dynamic weight bearing (DWB)
• Catwalk Analysis
• Electrophysiology

While rodent models are useful for the study of neuropathic pain, they do not accurately mimic the distal surface symptomatic neuroma. These models are also limited to rodents, which restricts research to pharmacology. The development of a large animal model for neuroma in the pig opens the opportunity for development of device technology and surgical-related concepts.