Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the likeliness for peripheral nerve lesions following extracorporeal shock wave application.
Material and method: 82 rabbit sciatic nerves were randomized to undergo low-energetic (0.08 mJ/mm2), middle-energetic (0.28 mJ/mm2) or no (controls) shock wave therapy. After 1 to 28 days an independent neuropathologist checked the specimen for signs of neural lesions.
Results: Only after 14 and 28 days vacuolic swelling of the axons was noted, somewhat pronounced in the middle-energetic group. In no case was there any disruption of the nerve's continuity. We did not observe any neurapraxia.
Conclusion: Shock wave application does not threaten peripheral nerve integrity in an animal model.