Development of Platform and Harness System for In Vivo Rat Elbow Range of Motion Device and Confirmation of Ulnar Nerve Integrity in Rats

This independent study in Dr. Lake’s Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Lab focused on two main projects. The first was creating a platform and harness system to secure a rat while its elbow range of motion (ROM) was measured in vivo. Multiple prototypes were designed, 3D printed, and tested on a deceased animal, and each design was improved upon to yield more consistent results. The final prototype yielded semi-consistent results, with further improvements identified and planned. The second project focused on developing a protocol to confirm the integrity of a rat’s ulnar nerve after an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) transection. Two methods for confirming nerve integrity were investigated: paw pricking and electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation method was selected, and a stimulation device was chosen and obtained to test in a live animal in January 2025.