High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive method of observing injury and recovery in the peripheral nervous system.

Objective: Noninvasive observation of degenerating and regenerating peripheral nerves could improve the diagnosis and treatment of nerve injuries. We constructed a novel phased-array radiofrequency coil to permit magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) observation of the sciatic nerve and its target muscles in rats after injury.

Methods: Adult male Lewis rats underwent either crushing (n = 18) or cutting and capping (n = 17) of their right sciatic nerves and then underwent serial MRI.