Abstract
Surgical treatment of traumatic nerve lesions is a matter of debate, mostly about the timing and technical aspects of the procedure. In deciding about and planning the operation, it is often necessary to repeat the electrophysiological and neuroradiological studies several times. Here we present our experience with ultrasonography taken before and after surgery: this simple and handy tool allowed clear visualization of the preoperative anatomy, thorough preparation and fast carrying out of surgery, and accurate postoperative monitoring of the graft’s vitality at follow-up. Though this is a limited series, the importance of ultrasonographic evaluation in traumatic peripheral nerve lesions appears remarkable.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Daniele Petricca for technical assistance.
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All authors certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
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This paper demonstrates how ultrasound is playing an increasingly important role in evaluating and surgically treating patients with a variety of peripheral nerve problems including traumatic nerve injuries. Ultrasound represents an extension of the clinical examination in the clinic where it can be used to visualize the presence of absence of nerve continuity and help localize the segment of nerve injury. In the operating room it can be used to help plan the surgical incision and approach. Hopefully further advances in ultrasound, such as elastography, will allow this technique to make more subtle tissue distinctions and help the peripheral nerve surgeon actually determine the biological grade of a nerve injury in the future.
Michel Kliot
Illinois, USA
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Lauretti, L., D’Alessandris, Q.G., Granata, G. et al. Ultrasound evaluation in traumatic peripheral nerve lesions: from diagnosis to surgical planning and follow-up. Acta Neurochir 157, 1947–1951 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2556-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2556-8