[Anatomic bases of surgical approaches to the nerves of the lower limb: tips for young surgeons]

Neurochirurgie. 2009 Oct;55(4-5):375-83. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2009.08.154. Epub 2009 Oct 2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

For trainee surgeons, the surgical approaches of the lower limb's peripheral nerves remain partially or completely unknown, but traumatic nerve lesions are rather frequent at this level and nerve tumors require intervention. Young surgeons will also have to treat spasticity and perform selective neurotomies, which can provide dramatic improvement of the functional status of properly selected patients. Excellent knowledge of anatomy is the key point to successful surgery. For each nerve approach, the key points on the morphological data of the nerve and its surroundings are given, as are the typical indications for this surgery and certain particularities related to patient installation in the operating room. The surgical approach section details the incision, the nerve exposure and the technical pitfalls.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Femoral Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Femoral Nerve / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / innervation*
  • Lower Extremity / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures*
  • Peroneal Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Peroneal Nerve / surgery
  • Sciatic Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Sciatic Nerve / surgery
  • Tibial Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Tibial Nerve / surgery