A mathematical model for regeneration rate and initial delay following surgical repair of peripheral nerves.

A mathematical model is presented by which the regeneration rate and initial delay for peripheral nerve regeneration can be calculated from sensory pinch test data following surgical repair of peripheral nerves. The model is based on the assumption that experimental variations in regeneration distances between animals is due to the initial delay period--the time period before the regenerating fibers cross the suture line whereas the rate of regeneration is constant. This model which accounts for all observed data including 'regenerating failures' showed that nerve fibers in the rat sciatic nerve repaired with a fresh nerve graft regenerated at a rate of 1.5 mm/day after an initial delay of 3.6 days.