Glossary term
Neuropraxia
Temporary nerve dysfunction caused by stretching, without structural damage.
Updated 2026-02-240 aliases3 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
Neuropraxia is the mildest form of nerve injury, caused by stretching or compression that temporarily disrupts nerve signal transmission without severing or permanently damaging the nerve fibers. During limb lengthening, the gradual distraction stretches nerves alongside the bone, and if the rate is too fast, neuropraxia can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms typically resolve within weeks to months once the stretch is relieved by slowing or pausing distraction.
Updated 2026-02-24
Sources
- Erverdi N, Motro M. Brief History of Distraction Osteogenesis. Springer, 2015.other_publicAccessed 2026-02-19
- Ilizarov GA. The tension-stress effect on the genesis and growth of tissues: Part II. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989;239:263-285. PMID: 2912628other_publicAccessed 2026-02-19
- Mahboubian S, et al. Ilizarov principles of deformity correction. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010;92(2):101-105. PMC3025247other_publicAccessed 2026-02-19
Informational only. Not medical advice.