Peripheral Nerve Surgery - A Compendium Anatomy, Diagnostics, Pathologies and Surgical Approaches

This work offers basic knowledge regarding all aspects of peripheral nerve surgery, including anatomy, diagnostics, the most common peripheral nerve lesions and surgical treatment options. Furthermore, it will help performing an adequate clinical examination by providing a detailed instruction with pictures. The book contains clear structured chapters and updated therapeutic management according to the guidelines. With the aid of intraoperative photographs, the surgical steps are precisely described. One unique feature of the book is the included practical advice given by the two well considered peripheral nerve surgeons, Prof. Kretschmer and Prof. Socolowsky.

As it contains many illustrations, the book is very well-suited for doctors who are eager to learn about peripheral nerve surgery and those who are interested in the surgical field of peripheral nerves.

Introduction.- Chapter 1: Anatomy of the nerve.- 1.1 Structural units.- 1.2 Degeneration.- 1.3 Regeneration.- Chapter 2: Anatomy of the brachial plexus and its terminal branches.- 2.1 Brachial plexus.- 2.2 Terminal branches.- 2.3 Cervical plexus.- Chapter 3: Anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus and its terminal branches.- 3.1 Lumbar plexus.- 3.2 Terminal branches.- 3.3 Sacral plexus.- 3.4 Terminal branches.- Chapter 4: Clinical examination.- 4.1 Upper extremity.- 4.2 Lower extremity.- 4.3 Overview of the clinical examination.- Chapter 5: Diagnostic tools.- 5.1 Electromyography, EMG.- 5.2 Elektroneurography, ENoG.- 5.3 Nerve sonography.- 5.4 MR-Neurography.- 5.5 Intraoperative diagnostic tools.- 5.6 Overview of the diagnostic tools.- Chapter 6: Surgery.- 6.1 Surgical techniques.- 6.2 Spasticity.- 6.3 Neuroplasticity.- Chapter 7: Pathologies.- 7.1 Nerve entrapment syndromes.- 7.2 Traumatic nerve lesions.- 7.3 Iatrogenic nerve lesions.- 7.4 Ballistic nerve injuries.- 7.5 Peripheral nerve tumors.- Chapter 8: Good to know – based on examples.- 8.1 Nerve compression.- 8.2 Tumor.- 8.3 Trauma.

Dr. Katharina Hobitsch is a neurosurgeon at the Federal State Hospital in Klagenfurt, Austria.

She is a medical specialist in neurosurgery with emphasis in peripheral nerve surgery. During her residency, she had the opportunity to learn from international acknowledged experts in this special field of neurosurgery. In the Federal State Hospital, she is learning from the head of the department, Prof. Kretschmer, who is a recognized expert in peripheral nerve surgery. Additionally, she underwent a clinical three months fellowship in Buenos Aires with surgical training under the supervision of Prof. Socolowsky, devoted to peripheral nerve surgery.

During this time, she was able to gain profound knowledge, which she wants to share with her colleagues. She is an active member of multiple national and international peripheral nerve societies to stay focused on this sub-speciality and be progressively involved.