Iatrogenic injuries of peripheral nerves

Abstract

In this study, we discuss 68 cases in which peripheral nerve trunks were inadvertently divided by surgeons. Most of these accidents occurred in the course of planned operations. Delay in diagnosis and in effecting repair was common.We list the nerves particularly at risk and the operations in which special care is needed.

Peripheral Nerve Injuries of the Pediatric Hand: Issues in Diagnosis and Management

“…In addition to injuries sustained during falls, collisions, or penetrating trauma, iatrogenic nerve defects may also occur during management of associated upper extremity defects. 1,5 ANATOMY A thorough understanding of peripheral nerve anatomy is critical for optimal diagnosis and management of the pediatric upper extremity nerve injuries. Appreciating the intrinsic architecture of the nerves as it varies along their upper extremity distribution will enhance the surgical approach and improve the surgical outcome.…”

Managing iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injury: a case series and review of the literature

“…17,36,37 Generally for lesions of the peripheral sensory nerves in humans, the gold standard is to repair the nerve as soon as possible after injury. 3 The relatively few series of trigeminal nerve repair in humans relate mainly to repairs undertaken at significantly more than 6 months after injury, which is unsatisfactory. This phenomenon is peculiar to dentistry and may be based on the misconception that the majority of trigeminal nerve injuries resolve, when in fact, it is only lingual nerve injuries related to lingual access surgery that resolve in 10 weeks in 88% of cases.…”

Accidental Use of the Median Nerve as an Interposition Material in First Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty

“…Diagnosis is usually too late to allow primary repair, often because of a lack of awareness by the treating surgeon that a nerve injury has occurred (Khan and Birch, 2001;Kretschmer et al, 2001;Winfree, 2005). Delay of 6 months or more occurs in nearly half of the cases and is the most important fact contributing to poor outcome from secondary corrective surgery (Birch et al, 1991;Ko¨mu¨rcu¨et al, 2005;Krapohl and Machens, 2005). Establishing the exact degree of damage within 2 to 4 months will improve the outcome of the secondary procedure and minimise further nerve damage (Ko¨mu¨r-cu¨et al, 2005).…”