Compression of the ulnar nerve is a well-known cause of neurologic dysfunction. Compression at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy (only carpal tunnel is more common). Ulnar nerve compression at the wrist (within Guyon’s…
Introduction to Median Nerve Compression Due to their superficial locations, close relationship to neighboring muscles and tendons, and often long and meandering courses, peripheral nerves are frequently subject to physical forces that may result, if applied chronically, in functional impairment…
Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) produce psychologically and functionally devastating handicaps afflicting, generally, a subset of young, healthy males in the prime of life. Seventy percent are caused by motor vehicle accidents, of which 70% are due to the use…
Brachial plexus injuries comprise approximately one-third of all peripheral nerve injuries and are seen in just more than 1% of patients presenting to a trauma facility. They usually affect younger patients, with a median age of 34. Because of the…
Introduction Nerves can be seen in computed tomography (CT) scans and in routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, because they are similar in size, shape, and location to other structures such as blood vessels and lymphatics, they cannot be…
Introduction Little was known about peripheral nerve repair until the American Civil War. That conflict inflicted wounds on thousands of soldiers who received care at institutions throughout the states. Many with severe trauma were admitted to Turner Lane’s Hospital in…
A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can occur after trauma, after surgery, or idiopathically. With respect to spine surgery, any dural opening has the potential for a CSF leak. CSF leakage can be seen with anterior or posterior approaches. While some…
Tumors involving the sacral spine are rare lesions that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Symptoms may be minimal during the early stages of disease, and the clinical evaluation of these lesions is often delayed. Thus, sacral tumors are…
Approximately 500,000 deaths occur per year from complications of metastatic disease. It is estimated that among living cancer patients, 10% experience symptomatic secondary metastases, with the most common sites of distant metastases being the liver, lungs, and skeleton. Within the…
Surgical treatment of spinal disorders at the cervicothoracic junction is challenging because of the complex anatomy and biomechanical properties of this region. Access to the cervicothoracic junction is complicated by important vascular, visceral, and soft-tissue structures, and knowledge of these…