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Dextrose-Induced Subsynovial Connective Tissue Fibrosis in the Rabbit Carpal Tunnel: A Potential Model to Study Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

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Abstract

In this pilot study, hypertonic dextrose solution was used to induce fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) and create an animal model of potential use in the study of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The SSCT of the carpal tunnel in 15 New Zealand white rabbits were injected with 0.05 ml of 10% dextrose solution in 1 paw and 0.05 ml of saline in the contralateral paw, to serve as a control. The animals were killed at 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks. While the saline side showed minimal changes at any time period, the hypertonic dextrose side showed progressive noninflammatory SSCT fibrosis, with vascular proliferation and thickening of collagen bundles. Demyelination of the median nerve developed at 12 weeks after the injection on the dextrose side. These findings are similar to the progression of pathology noted in humans with CTS.

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Acknowledgement

This study was funded by grants from NIH (AR49823) and Mayo Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomechanics Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Sangho Oh, Anke M. Ettema, Chunfeng Zhao, Mark E. Zobitz, Kai-Nan An & Peter C. Amadio

  2. Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Lester E. Wold

  3. 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Peter C. Amadio

Authors
  1. Sangho Oh
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  2. Anke M. Ettema
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  3. Chunfeng Zhao
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  4. Mark E. Zobitz
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  5. Lester E. Wold
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  6. Kai-Nan An
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  7. Peter C. Amadio
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Correspondence to Peter C. Amadio.

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Oh, S., Ettema, A.M., Zhao, C. et al. Dextrose-Induced Subsynovial Connective Tissue Fibrosis in the Rabbit Carpal Tunnel: A Potential Model to Study Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?. HAND 3, 34–40 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-007-9058-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-007-9058-y

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