Author/Editor		Dolenc, VV
Title		Contemporary treatment of peripheral nerve and brachial plexus lesions
Type		članek
Source		Neurosurg Rev
Vol. and No.		Letnik 9, št. 1-2
Publication year		1986
Volume		str. 149-56
Language		eng
Abstract		The paper outlines modern microsurgical techniques utilized in the repair of injured peripheral motor and sensory neurons. The diagnostic evaluation and its timing, which depend on the level and the extent of the lesion, are proposed. The author stresses the need during the operation for close monitoring, which is a prerequisite of proper coaptation of the severed nerve structures. A technically perfect microsurgical repair provides optimal conditions for regeneration of the divided peripheral nerves and/or brachial plexus. The repair of avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus still poses many technical problems; the author proposes the use of intercostal nerves as new sources for grafts. Pain, which is one of the major problems occurring with peripheral nerve injuries, especially with lesions to the brachial plexus, is not dealt with in detail. The author maintains that the contemporary treatment of peripheral nerve injuries as a rule yields good results, while this is not yet true of the management of brachial plexus lesions.
Descriptors		BRACHIAL PLEXUS MICROSURGERY PERIPHERAL NERVES ARM ELECTROMYOGRAPHY FOLLOW-UP STUDIES INTERCOSTAL NERVES MUSCLES NERVE REGENERATION POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS SPINAL NERVE ROOTS SURAL NERVE SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION ULNAR NERVE