Title

The Surgical Treatment Of Peripheral Neuropathies: A Plastic Surgeon'S Perspective

Abstract

While many neuropathies are amenable to medical therapy, progressive compression neuropathies almost invariably require a surgical evaluation. Compression neuropathies are more likely to occur when there is a superimposed polyneuropathy as the affected nerve is less able to compensate for this process. It is important for the referring physician to understand the surgical approach to the treatment of compression neuropathies. This is best visualized by understanding the relevant "tunnels" commonly encountered with compression neuropathies. There are numerous similarities between the "tunnels" encountered in the upper extremity and those encountered in the lower extremity. This chapter will address the surgical evaluation and treatment of the most commonly encountered upper and lower extremity entrapment neuropathies based on his extensive clinical experience. Although electrodiagnostic studies are helpful, this technique does not reliably identify each and every instance of a compression neuropathy. Therefore, a surgical referral is in order when the patient presents with symptoms of a compression neuropathy that is confirmed by specific physical examination signs. Many of these patients with normal electrodiagnostic studies prove to have significant nerve compression at the time of their surgical intervention. The author reviews the surgical approach to these patients and concludes his chapter with a discussion of nerve repair techniques.

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Publication Title

Contemporary Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy

Number of Pages

253-266

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

84950320056 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84950320056

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