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OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective review of the charts of 10 patients with genitofemoral neuralgia who underwent neurectomy at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1967 and 2000. Operations associated with these neuralgias and postoperative pain outcomes were analyzed. METHODS: The charts of 10 patients with genitofemoral neuralgias were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The distribution of the 10 genitofemoral neuralgias with regard to right or left side and sex was found to be equal. L1 and L2 nerve blocks had resulted in a complete or substantial decrease in pain before neurectomy was recommended. Of six iatrogenic injuries (60%), gynecological surgery, including two hysterectomy procedures, resulted in a total of three genitofemoral neuralgias (50%), and vasectomy procedures antedated two nerve injuries (33%). Four (40%) of the 10 patients had injury to the genitofemoral nerve after blunt abdominal trauma. Genitofemoral neurectomy was performed in all genitofemoral neuralgia patients after conservative therapy had failed. This procedure resulted in considerable pain relief in all 10 patients, whether their injury was the result of iatrogenic causes or trauma. CONCLUSION: Genitofemoral neuralgias are infrequent conditions; however, 10 patients were accrued and analyzed in this study, and most had considerable or complete pain relief after neurectomy.

Summary Ankyrin G has recently been shown to be responsible for activation of sodium channels in the developing and regenerating axonal membrane. Via this sodium channel mechanism, elevated ankyrin G levels have been linked with spontaneous ectopic hyperexcitability and thus with pain phenomena in nervous tissue. Ankyrin G, a transmembrane, structural protein of the axon, was examined in four conditions: (a) painful plexiform neurofibroma; (b) painful neuroma; (c) non-painful neuromas; (d) normal nerve. Neurofibroma tissue was obtained from an 18-year old male patient who developed an intensely painful, plexiform neurofibroma of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and subsequently underwent surgery. Sample proteins were separated by PAGE and labeled with anti-ankyrin G antibodies in a Western blot procedure. Results The ankyrin G band density (μg) of protein for the painful neurofibroma was 6014 and was 3557 for the painful neuroma as compared to 3041, 1988 and 606 (mean ± SD = 1878 ± 1221) for the three non-painful neuromas. Ankyrin G expression in normal nerves (8 specimens from 7 patients) was comparatively less (mean ± SD = 411 ± 339). Conclusion Our results may represent the first evidence for abnormally increased levels of ankyrin G protein with painful neurofibromas. Due to ankyrin G’s multifunctional role in the development and remodeling of excitable membranes, it can be hypothesized that the significant increase contributes to the development of hyperexcitable axonal membranes in neurofibromas and potentially other peripheral pain conditions.

Object.This is a retrospective analysis of 353 surgically treated sciatic nerve lesions in which injury mechanisms, location, time to surgical repair, surgical techniques, and functional outcomes are reported. Results are presented to provide guidelines for management of these injuries.Methods.One hundred seventy-five patients with buttock-level and 178 with thigh-level sciatic nerve injury were surgically treated at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1968 and 1999. Buttock-level injury mechanisms included injection in 64 patients, hip fracture/dislocation in 26, contusion in 22, compression in 19, gunshot wound (GSW) in 17, hip arthroplasty in 15, and laceration in 12; at the thigh level, GSW was the cause in 62 patients, femoral fracture in 34, laceration in 32, contusion in 28, compression in 12, and iatrogenic injury in 10. Patients with sciatic nerve divisions in which positive intraoperative nerve action potentials (NAPs) were found underwent neurolysis and attained at least Grade 3 functional outcomes in 108 (87%) of 124 and in 91 (96%) of 95 buttock- and thigh-level tibial divisions, respectively, compared with 84 (71%) of 119 and 75 (79%) of 95, respectively, in the peroneal divisions. For suture repair, recovery to at least Grade 3 occurred in eight (73%) of 11 buttock-level and in 27 (93%) of 29 thigh-level tibial division injuries, and in three (30%) of 10 buttock-level and 20 (69%) of 29 thigh-level peroneal division lesions. For graft repair, good recovery occurred in 21 (62%) of 34 and in 43 (80%) of 54 buttock- and thigh-level tibial divisions, respectively, even in proximal repairs requiring long grafts, and in only nine (24%) of 37 and 22 (45%) of 49 buttock- and thigh-level peroneal division lesions, respectively.Conclusions.Surgical exploration and neurolysis after positive NAP readings, or repair with sutures or grafts after negative NAP results are worthwhile in selected cases.

Objective This study analyzes 318 operative knee-level common peroneal nerve lesions managed at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1967 and 1999. Methods Each patient was retrospectively evaluated for injury mechanism, preoperative neurological status, electrophysiological studies, lesion type, and operative technique, i.e., neurolysis, suture, or graft repair. All lesions in continuity had intraoperative nerve action potential recordings. Results There were 141 stretch/contusions without fracture/dislocations (44%), 39 lacerations (12%), 40 tumors (13%), 30 entrapments (9%), 22 stretch/contusions with fracture/dislocations (7%), 21 compressions (7%), 13 iatrogenic injuries (4%), and 12 gunshot wounds (4%). After neurolysis, 107 (88%) of 121 knee-level common peroneal nerve lesions with recordable intraoperative nerve action potentials recovered useful function. Nineteen patients underwent end-to-end suture repair, and 16 (84%) of these achieved good recovery by 24 months. Graft repair was performed in 138 peroneal injuries. Thirty-six patients (26%) had grafts less than 6 cm long, of which 27 (75%) achieved Grade 3 or greater peroneal function. Twenty-four (38%) of 64 patients with 6- to 12-cm grafts, and only 6 (16%) of 38 patients with 13- to 24-cm grafts, attained good peroneal function. Longer grafts correlated with more severe injuries and thus poorer outcomes. Thirty-two (80%) of 40 tumors were resected with preservation of preoperative clinical function. Conclusion Surgical exploration and repair of peroneal nerve lesions achieved good results with timely operations and thorough intraoperative evaluations. Useful function was achieved in 27 (75%) of 36 patients with grafts less than 6 cm in length and in only 88 (44%) of 202 patients with grafts greater than 6 cm in length.

Object.The authors present a retrospective analysis of 119 surgically treated femoral nerve lesions at intrapelvic and thigh levels seen at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.Methods.Femoral nerve lesions treated between 1967 and 2000, (89 traumatic injuries and 30 tumors and cystic lesions) were evaluated for injury mechanisms, resulting lesions, surgical management, and postoperative functional outcomes by using retrospective chart reviews.The most common injury mechanism was iatrogenic (52 cases), which occurred after hernia and hip operations (10 each), followed by arterial bypass and gynecological procedures (eight each), angiography (seven), abdominal surgery (five), appendectomy (two), a laparoscopy, and a lumbar sympathectomy. Other injury mechanisms included hip or pelvic fractures (19), gunshot wounds (10), and lacerations (eight). The 30 femoral nerve tumors and cystic lesions consisted of neurofibromas (16), schwannomas (nine), ganglionic cysts (two), neurogenic sarcomas (two), and a leiomyosarcoma.Forty-four patients underwent neurolysis. Some had recordable nerve action potentials (NAPs) across their lesions in continuity, despite severe distal loss. Others with recordable NAPs had mild loss, but also experienced a pain problem, which was helped in some by neurolysis. In 36 patients, in whom repairs were performed using long sural grafts for mostly proximal pelvic-level injuries, recovery of useful function occurred. Eight of nine thigh-level suture repairs led to improvement to good functional levels. Most of the tumors and cystic lesions were resected, with preservation of preoperative function.Conclusions.The majority of femoral nerve injuries resulted in lesions in continuity, and intraoperative NAP recordings were essential in evaluating axonal regeneration across these lesions. Despite severe and frequently proximal injury levels requiring repairs with long grafts, femoral nerve lesion repairs resulted in good functional recovery.

Object The authors focus on injury mechanisms involved in 1019 operative brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) managed between 1968 and 1998 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Methods Data regarding these mechanisms of injury were obtained via retrospective chart reviews of patients who had undergone operations at LSUHSC. Five main mechanisms of injury to the brachial plexus occurred in the series. These included 509 stretch/contusion injuries (49%) with four patterns of presentation in 366 patients: 208 C5–T1 nerve injuries; 75 C5–7, 55 C5–6 injuries; and 28 involving the C8–T1 or C7–T1 nerves. Stretch/contusion injury was followed in frequency by gunshot wound (GSW), resulting in 118 injuries (12%). Most of the 293 involved plexus elements had some gross continuity when surgically exposed. Seventy-one lacerations involved the brachial plexus (7%), including 83 sharp lacerations caused by knives or glass; 61 blunt transections due to automobile metal, fan, and motor blades, chain saws, or animal bites. Nontraumatic BPIs included 160 cases of thoracic outlet syndrome or 16% of the total of 1019 BPIs. There were 161 tumors (16%) of neural sheath origin including 55 solitary neurofibromas (34%), 32 neurofibromas associated with von Recklinghausen disease (20%), 54 schwannomas (34%), and 20 malignant nerve sheath tumors (20%) removed. Obstetrical BPI was not included in the original series; however, the current literature is reviewed in this paper. Conclusions The conclusion of this study is that the brachial plexus can be injured by multiple mechanisms of which stretch/contusion injury is the most frequently encountered, followed by GSWs.

The authors review 118 operative brachial plexus gunshot wounds (GSWs), causing 293 element injuries that were managed over a 30-year period at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Retrospective chart reviews were performed. Using the LSUHSC grading system for motor sensory function, each element's grades were combined and averaged. Most of the 293 injured elements were found to have gross continuity at operation and of 202 elements with complete neurological loss, only 16 (8%) exhibited total disruption. Of 293 injuries, 128 elements with complete or incomplete loss were not only in continuity when explored but also had positive intraoperative nerve action potentials (NAPs). After neurolysis, 120 of 128 elements in continuity (94%) improved to greater than or equal to Grade 3 function. Elements not regenerating early usually required repair. One hundred fifty-six of 202 completely or incompletely injured elements (77%) required resection and suture or graft repair based on intraoperative NAPs. Neurolysis achieved greater than or equal to Grade 3 results in 42 (91%) of 46 elements with complete loss. Suture repair resulted in good outcomes in 14 (67%) of 21 and in 73 (54%) of 135 undergoing graft repairs (1 to 3.5 cm length) and presenting with complete loss. Of 91 incomplete elements, intraoperative NAPs were positive in 82 (90%) and 78 of 82 had good results. Nine had negative NAPs and six elements required suture repair. Three required grafts with results of greater than or equal to Grade 3 in five (83%) of six and two (67%) of three, respectively. Based on 118 patient results with 293 injured elements, guidelines for the management of GSWs were established as described in this paper.

Object The authors report the surgery-related results obtained in 143 patients with stretch-induced infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries (BPIs). The entire series comprised 1019 operative BPIs managed at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1968 and 1998. Methods Infraclavicular lesions represented 143 (28%) of the total of 509 stretch injuries involving both the infra-and supraclavicular brachial plexus, of which 366 (72%) were supraclavicular lesions. The operative approach is thoroughly outlined, and common patterns and combinations of involvement of nerves peculiar to the infraclavicular area are presented. Overall, the results of suture and graft repair were favorable for the lateral and posterior cord and their outflows. Repair of medial cord–median nerve also yielded acceptable results. The results of medial cord and medial cord–ulnar nerve, however, were poor. The incidence of associated injuries in the infraclavicular as opposed to the supraclavicular area, including shoulder dislocation and fracture and humeral fractures as well as vascular injuries including axillary artery injury was higher. Results of a literature search supported the finding that vascular injuries were increased due to the juxtaposition of vessels among the brachial plexus elements. Conclusions Thus, although less common than their supraclavicular counterpart, infraclavicular stretch injury lesions when they occur are technically more difficult to treat and are associated with a higher incidence of vascular and dislocation/fraction injuries. Favorable results were obtained for lateral and posterior cord lesions and their outflows, with acceptable outcome after medial cord–median nerve stretch injury repair. The results of medial cord and medial cord to ulnar nerve, however, were poor.

The surgical treatment of peripheral nerve sheath tumors is dependent on the tumor’s neoplastic nature and its anatomic location. Surgical planning can be conceptually divided into ‘‘principles,’’ which are based on the biologic nature of intraneural tumors, an ‘‘approach,’’ which deals in general with the anatomic surgical exposure of a tumor, and then with ‘‘techniques’’ of tumor resection, which deal with the intraneural removal of the tumor. Of course, it is conceptually impossible always to separate these three surgical themes in reality, but they constitute a useful framework with which to plan peripheral nerve surgery. Intraneural techniques of dissection that are applicable to all tumor resections are shown, but only after proper exposure. They are categorized into symmetric and asymmetric and are dependent to some degree on the characteristics of tumor exposure. Surgical principles for nerve sheath tumors focus on surgical decision making common to all peripheral nerve sheath tumor operations and then on that particular to a given tumor type. The treatment of solitary nerve sheath tumors, either schwannoma or neurofibroma, is different from that of multiple nerve sheath tumors and plexiform tumors of von Recklinghausen’s disease (VRD), which is again different from the treatment of malignant nerve sheath tumors. Each of these groups requires different rules for decision making. Surgical approaches for nerve sheath tumors vary according to the local anatomy. Exposure on an extremity is relatively straightforward, but as the location becomes more proximal, anatomy conspires to protect nerves, plexuses, and the spinal cord, making surgical exposure more difficult. As a consequence, selected surgical approaches to nerve sheath tumors in these more protected areas are specifically described.

The surgical management of benign PNSTs and some other benign tumors can result in successful outcomes. Schwannomas and nonplexiform neurofibromas can be resected with minimal deficit by sparing all but the fascicles entering and exiting the tumor. These fascicles, if not functional by NAP testing, can be resected, and the tumor can be removed. Surgery to remove other benign lesions, such as intraneural ganglion cysts, hemangiomas,and ganglioneuromas, has become more timely. The desmoid tumor, although microscopically benign, is locally and regionally invasive, and chemotherapy and radiation therapy may need to be used as adjunctive therapy. Neurogenic sarcomas and other malignancies have high morbidity and mortality despite aggressive limb ablation or limb-sparing surgery with adjunctive therapy. Thus, surgery involving decompression as well as the most complete resection possible remains the essential initial step in the management of most malignancies.

OBJECTIVE Iatrogenic injury to the spinal accessory nerve is not uncommon during neck surgery involving the posterior cervical triangle, because its superficial course here makes it susceptible. We review injury mechanisms, operative techniques, and surgical outcomes of 111 surgical repairs of the spinal accessory nerve. METHODS This retrospective study examines clinical and surgical experience with spinal accessory nerve injuries at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center during a period of 23 years (1978–2000). Surgery was performed on the basis of anatomic and electrophysiological findings at the time of operation. Patients were followed up for an average of 25.6 months. RESULTS The most frequent injury mechanism was iatrogenic (103 patients, 93%), and 82 (80%) of these injuries involved lymph node biopsies. Eight injuries were caused by stretch (five patients) and laceration (three patients). The most common procedures were graft repairs in 58 patients. End-to-end repair was used in 26 patients and neurolysis in 19 patients if the nerve was found in continuity with intraoperative electrical evidence of regeneration. Five neurotizations, two burials into muscle, and one removal of ligature material were also performed. More than 95% of patients treated by neurolysis supported by positive nerve action potential recordings improved to Grade 4 or higher. Of 84 patients with lesions repaired by graft or suture, 65 patients (77%) recovered to Grade 3 or higher. The average graft length was 1.5 inches. CONCLUSION Surgical exploration and repair of spinal accessory nerve injuries is difficult. With perseverance, however, these patients with complete or severe deficits achieved favorable functional outcomes through operative exploration and repair.

Summary: The objective of this review is to contribute information that improves surgical outcomes and to provide management guidelines for various lesions of the brachial plexus. This review was based on the analysis of 1,019 cases of brachial plexus injuries, entrapment, and tumors that were surgically treated at Louisiana State University Medical Center between 1968 and 1998. We describe surgical outcomes of 859 cases, excluding 160 thoracic outlet syndrome cases. Mechanisms of injury included 509 stretch injuries, 118 gunshot wounds (GSWs), 71 lacerations, and 161 neural sheath tumors. Functional outcomes after surgical repair are encouraging. A functional recovery of grade 3 or better was seen in 87% of the stretch injury cases having lesions in continuity, 71% of those repaired with sutures, and 53% of those that underwent graft repairs. In the GSW group, 129 of 202 of the injured plexus elements that had suffered complete loss recovered to grade 3 or better levels. In comparison, 85 of the 91 lesions with incomplete loss of function eventually recovered. Of the lacerating injuries that were repaired, more than 65% of the elements recovered to a grade 3 or better level. Of the 161 neural sheath tumors arising from brachial plexus, most schwannomas and solitary neurofibromas were resected without significant deficits. These surgical results suggest that surgical exploration and repair of brachial plexus lesions are technically feasible and may obtain favorable outcomes if patients are selected appropriately. This review provides management guidelines that may enhance functional outcomes of brachial plexus surgery.

Objective GAP-43 and p75 are proteins that promote growth cone and neurite formation, elongation, and arborization in regenerating nerve axons. The objectives of this study were to determine whether GAP-43 and the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75 are elevated in traumatic neuromas and whether there is a correlation between the relative amount of GAP-43 or p75 and demographic characteristics such as time elapsed between injury and repair. Methods Traumatic neuromas from 21 randomly selected patients were studied, and the charts were reviewed. Specimens were collected at the time of nerve resection and grafting. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on each sample and normal human nerve with antibodies to GAP-43 and p75. Western blot and computerized gel analyses were performed. Results All neuroma specimens harvested within 13 months of injury exhibited markedly elevated GAP-43 levels compared with normal nerve. Specimens harvested at 14 months or more after injury showed precipitously lower GAP-43 levels, similar to or less than those of normal nerve. The correlation between the amount of intra-axonal GAP-43 and postinjury time interval was statistically significant, P = 0.0038. High GAP-43 levels were also correlated with transection injury, high postoperative sensory grade, and pain. p75 levels were elevated, without consistent variation in our population. Conclusion These preliminary data suggest that the expression of intra-axonal GAP-43 may vary over time after injury, remaining elevated for approximately the first year, then decreasing abruptly to normal or subnormal levels. These results correlate with clinical experience, indicating that peripheral nerves should be repaired relatively early if repair is indicated.

The axolemmal distribution and density of voltage-gated sodium channels largely determines the electrical excitability of sprouting neurites. Recent evidence suggests that accumulation of sodium channels at injured axonal tips may be responsible for ectopic axonal hyperexcitability and the resulting abnormal sensory phenomena of pain and paresthesias. For future improvement in pain management it is necessary to identify structurally significant generators of autorhythmicity. A first step in this regard will be to determine the predominant types of sodium channels in injured axons. The opportunity to test human specimens from painful and non-painful neuroma is of great value. We employed immunocytochemical methods to investigate if two types of highly specific voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes could be detected in sections of human neuroma. Both subtypes of sodium channels PN1 and PN3 accumulated abnormally in human neuromas. The immunoreactive pattern was more pronounced in painful neuromas. This is in contrast to previous reports that focused either on PN1 or PN3 as main generators of hyperexcitability induced pain. Both, PN1 and PN3 seem to be involved in hyperexcitability induced pain. It can be expected that a variety of other highly specific voltage gated sodium channel subtypes will be detected in regenerating peripheral nerve in the near future, which contribute to the development of neuropathic pain states. Thus, in order to therapeutically control hyperexcitability induced neuropathic pain, it might be worthwhile to develop pharmaceuticals that can selectively block different sodium channel subtypes and subunits. A review of the role of sodium channels in neuropathic pain is implemented in the discussion.

Object. One hundred sixty-seven of 250 patients with median nerve (MN) lesions, excluding carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve sheath tumors, at the levels of the arm, elbow, forearm, and wrist, underwent surgical treatment at Louisiana State University Health Sciences over a 30-year period. The most common causes of MN injuries were laceration, fracture-associated stretch and contusion, gunshot wound, compression, and injection injuries. In this study, surgically treated patients were followed and evaluated retrospectively for favorable functional outcomes. Methods. Lesions not in continuity required primary or secondary end-to-end suture or graft repairs. With the aid of direct intraoperative recording of nerve action potentials (NAPs), MN injuries in which the lesion was in continuity underwent external or internal neurolysis, or resection of the lesion, followed by end-to-end suture or graft repair. A minimum of 12 months follow-up review (mean 18 months) was available in 85% of the surgically treated patients. For lesions in continuity, a functional recovery of Grade 3 or better was seen in 72 (95%) of 76 patients who underwent neurolysis, 18 (86%) of 21 who received suture repair, and 21 (75%) of 28 who received graft repair. In lesions not in continuity, favorable results (Grade ≥ 3) were seen in 10 (91%) of 11 patients who received primary suture repair, seven (78%) of nine who received secondary suture repair, and 15 (68%) of 22 who received graft repair. Conclusions. Surgical intervention for MN injuries with complete or severe deficits achieved favorable outcomes.

A true costoclavicular mass syndrome associated with a brachial plexopathy is rare. We report the occurrence of a severe brachial plexopathy as a late complication of a displaced midclavicular fracture. An exuberant callus associated with the clavicular fracture acted as a mass lesion to compress the brachial plexus within the costoclavicular space (i.e., between the clavicle and the first rib). The clinical features and the electrodiagnostic findings in this patient were crucial in suggesting the diagnosis, which was subsequently confirmed by radiographic studies and surgical exploration. Surgical excision of the hyperabundant callus and freeing of the entrapped brachial plexus resulted in marked improvement of the patient's neurological symptoms. Recognition of this uncommon complication of a clavicular fracture is important for the timely diagnosis of this treatable problem.

Object. The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to present results and provide management guidelines for various types of sciatic injuries. Methods. Over a 24-year period, 380 patients with sciatic nerve injuries were managed. In 230 patients (60%), the injury was at the buttock level, with injection injuries comprising more than half of these cases. Thigh-level sciatic injury was evaluated in 150 cases (40%) and was usually secondary to one of four main causes: 1) gunshot wound; 2) femur fracture; 3) laceration; or 4) contusion. Patients with partial deficits uncomplicated by severe pain or with significant spontaneous recovery or late referral were managed medically. Surgical exploration was not indicated in 23% of injuries at the thigh level and almost 50% of those at the buttock level. Most of these patients achieved partial but good spontaneous recovery, especially in the tibial division distribution. Surgical intervention was required for more complete and persistent deficits in either the tibial or peroneal distribution. Divisions of the sciatic nerve were split apart and evaluated independently. Management was guided by nerve action potential (NAP) recordings, which indicated whether neurolysis or resection of the lesion was required. Repair was then made by using sutures or more frequently by graft placement. In most cases in which neurolysis was performed because a positive NAP was recorded distal to the lesion, useful function was found in the peroneal distribution. Unfortunately, significant recovery occurred in only 36% of patients who received suture or graft repairs of the peroneal division. Good-to-excellent outcome was common for the tibial division, even in cases in which repair was proximal and required lengthy grafts. The relatively favorable recovery of tibial as opposed to peroneal divisions of the sciatic nerve occurred regardless of the level or mechanism of injury. Conclusions. Surgical exploration and, when necessary, repair of sciatic nerve injuries is worthwhile in selected cases.

✓ Despite their benign histological appearance and the current literature composed primarily of case reports with favorable outcomes, ganglion cysts involving peripheral nerves (GCPNs) can cause permanent neurological deficits. The authors present a 27-year Louisiana State University Medical Center (LSUMC) experience with the surgical management of GCPNs. From 1968 to 1995, 27 patients were surgically treated for 27 cysts that involved nerves at nine locations. Cysts of the peroneal nerve were the most common, comprising 52% of the cases. Motor deficit, pain, and sensory changes were present in 83%, 78%, and 48% of cases, respectively. A history of acute trauma was noted in 22%. The mean follow-up duration in these cases was 61 months. Motor recovery was good in only 58% of cases and was related to the severity of the preoperative motor deficit. Pain resolved or was significantly improved in 89% of cases. Five patients underwent nine procedures before referral to LSUMC for treatment of recurrence of their ganglion cysts. None of these patients suffered recurrence after undergoing surgery at LSUMC. However, four additional patients (17%) experienced a total of six recurrences after undergoing their initial procedure. The mean time to recurrence for the patient group as a whole was 16 months. On the basis of their experience, the authors conclude that GCPNs can behave in an aggressive fashion. Patients should be counseled preoperatively about the potential for limited motor recovery and a significant chance for recurrence.

Exophytic ependymomas of the spinal cord are very rare outside the filum or conus region. We present a patient with a thoracic spinal cord intradural extramedullary and intramedullary, World Health Organization grade II ependymoma. Gross total resection of the extramedullary component with subtotal resection of the intramedullary tumor was achieved, since there was no clear distinction between cord and tumor. The patient received postoperative external beam radiotherapy for residual tumor, and at a 2-year follow-up he is ambulatory without evidence of tumor recurrence.

Neurosurgery case review : , Neurosurgery case review : , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Section I: Brachial Plexus Injury and Entrapments Section II: Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Entrapments Section III: Lower Extermity Peripheral Nerve Injuries and Entrapments Section IV: Nerve Tumors, Painful Nerve Conditions, and Miscellaneous Injuries.

✓Tumors of the brachial plexus are relatively rare and present a clinical challenge for the neurosurgeon. The management of these tumors therefore requires not only an understanding of the complex anatomy of the brachial plexus but also an appreciation of the appropriate surgical approach to the various tumors that may be encountered. Over a 30-year period (1969–1999), 226 patients with brachial plexus tumors were evaluated and surgically treated by the senior authors (R.L.T., D.G.K.). In the present paper they review the most common benign and malignant brachial plexus tumors and discuss management and surgical principles established through their experience at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

This paper presents the management and outcomes for two consecutive operative series of gunshot wounds (GSWs) involving the brachial plexus. The cases were from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and were obtained by retrospective chart reviews. Series 1 includes patients with injuries managed between 1968 and 1980 and series 2, from 1981 to 1998. Pre- and postoperative motor function was assessed using the LSUHSC grading system. The outcomes for each surgical technique for each series are presented. Fewer cases of brachial plexus elements injured by GSWs in series 2 may be due to decreased firearm-related injuries between 1993-1997, i.e., 39,595 versus 32,436 deaths, respectively. The graft repair increase in series 2 may have been the result of more severe injuries, since documented trends between 1971 and 1997 show the use of larger caliber bullets. This paper shows that with the outlined management and surgical techniques, surgery on certain GSWs of the brachial plexus is worthwhile.

The charts of patients with 201 brachial plexus elements sustaining operative lacerations and managed at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) were reviewed retrospectively. Results for elements injured by sharp transections and undergoing suture repairs performed within 72 hr, as well as secondary suture and secondary graft repairs are documented. Similarly, results for secondary end-to-end suture anastomosis and secondary graft repairs for elements sustaining blunt transections are reviewed. Results for neurolysis, end-to-end suture anastomosis, and graft repairs for plexus elements in continuity despite the laceration injury are reviewed. Outcomes for the LSUHSC series of brachial plexus lacerations are one of the best of all LSUHSC plexus injuries, even for elements generally viewed as unfavorable for repair. Lesions in continuity with positive nerve action potentials (NAPs) had the best outcomes.

Objective This is a retrospective review of 33 charts of patients with ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric neuralgias who underwent a neurectomy at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1967 and 2000. Operations associated with neuralgias and postoperative pain outcomes were analyzed. Methods There were 23 ilioinguinal and 10 combined ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric neuralgias, and the side of the lesion and sex of the patient were found to be evenly distributed in this group. Nerve blocks must have resulted in a complete or substantial decrease in pain before a neurectomy was recommended. Twenty-nine (88%) of 33 neuralgia patients had injuries from iatrogenic causes, and 4 (12%) injuries were caused by blunt trauma. In the 23 isolated ilioinguinal neuralgias, the operation associated with neuralgias in 13 (57%) of 23 patients was a herniorrhaphy. This was followed by 4 (17%) neuralgias after an appendectomy and 3 (13%) after a hysterectomy. Three (13%) patients had neuralgias resulting from blunt trauma. Nine (90%) of 10 ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric lesions were caused by iatrogenic causes, and 1 (10%) neuralgia resulted from blunt trauma. A neurectomy was performed in all patients. Results The neurectomy resulted in considerable pain relief in 21 (91%) of 23 patients with ilioinguinal lesions and 9 (90%) of 10 patients with ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric lesions. Postoperative side effects were persistent numbness below the resected nerve and loss of the cremasteric reflex. Minor postoperative complications consisted of two superficial skin infections. Conclusion Ilioinguinal and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric neuralgias are infrequent conditions; however, 33 patients from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center were accrued and analyzed in this study, and most had significant pain relief after neurectomy.

Object. This is a retrospective review of 397 benign and malignant peripheral neural sheath tumors (PNSTs) that were surgically treated between 1969 and 1999 at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). The surgical techniques and adjunctive treatments are presented, the tumors are classified with respect to type and prevalence at each neuroanatomical location, and the management of malignant PNSTs is reviewed. Methods. There were 361 benign PNSTs (91%). One hundred forty-one benign lesions were brachial plexus tumors: 54 schwannomas (38%) and 87 neurofibromas (62%), of which 55 (63%) were solitary neurofibromas and 32 (37%) were neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)—associated neurofibromas. Among the brachial plexus lesions supraclavicular tumors predominated with 37 (69%) of 54 schwannomas; 34 (62%) of 55 solitary neurofibromas; and 19 (59%) of 32 NF1-associated neurofibromas. One hundred ten upper-extremity benign PNSTs consisted of 32 schwannomas (29%) and 78 neurofibromas (71%), of which 45 (58%) were sporadic neurofibromas and 33 (42%) were NF1-associated neurofibromas. Twenty-five benign PNSTs were removed from the pelvic plexus. Lower-extremity PNSTs included 32 schwannomas (38%) and 53 neurofibromas (62%), of which 31 were solitary neurofibromas and 22 were NF1-associated neurofibromas. There were 36 malignant PNSTs: 28 neurogenic sarcomas and eight other sarcomas (fibro-, spindle cell, synovial, and perineurial sarcomas). Conclusions. The majority of tumors were benign PNSTs from the brachial plexus region. Most of the benign PNSTs in all locations were neurofibromas, with sporadic neurofibromas predominating. Similar numbers of schwannomas were found in the upper and lower extremities, whereas neurofibromas were more prevalent in the upper extremities. Despite aggressive limb-ablation or limb-sparing surgery plus adjunctive therapy, malignant PNSTs continue to be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Object. This is a retrospective review of 146 surgically treated benign and malignant peripheral non—neural sheath tumors (PNNSTs). Tumor classifications with patient numbers, locations of benign PNNSTs, and surgical techniques and adjunctive treatments are presented. The results of a literature review regarding tumor frequencies are presented. Methods. One hundred forty-six patients with 111 benign and 35 malignant PNNSTs were treated between 1969 and 1999 at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). The benign tumors included 33 ganglion cysts, 16 cases of localized hypertrophic neuropathy, 12 lipomas, 12 tumors of vascular origin, and 11 desmoid tumors. There were four each of lipofibrohamartomas, myositis ossificans, osteochondromas, and ganglioneuromas; two each of meningiomas, cystic hygromas, myoblastoma or granular cell tumors, triton tumors, and lymphangiomas; and one epidermoid cyst. The locations of benign PNNSTs were the following: 33 in the brachial plexus region, 39 in an upper extremity, one in the pelvic plexus, and 38 in a lower extremity. The malignant PNNSTs included 35 surgically treated carcinomas, 15 of which originated in the breast and nine in the lung. There were two melanomas metastatic to nerve and one tumor each that had metastasized from the bladder, rectum, skin, head and neck, and thyroid, and from a primary Ewing sarcoma. There was a single lymphoma that had metastasized to the radial nerve and one chordoma and one osteosarcoma, each of which had metastasized to the brachial plexus. Conclusions. There were more benign PNNSTs than malignant ones. Benign tumors were relatively equally distributed in the brachial plexus region and upper and lower extremities, with the exception of the pelvic plexus, which had only one tumor.

This article reviews the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center experience with direct repair of brachial plexus lacerations, gunshot wounds, and stretch/contusive/avulsive injuries. In the stretch category, limited outcomes with direct repair have led to addition of nerve transfers rather than their exclusive use. It is important to per-form direct plexus repair in conjunction with nerve transfers in the same patient when-ever possible. The intent of such a "pants-over-vest" approach is to maximize axonal input to denervated structures.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective chart reviews of 42 patients with surgical suprascapular nerve (SSN) injury/entrapment were performed. Presenting symptoms, findings, operative approach, and results are documented. METHODS: Forty-two patients with SSN injuries/entrapments underwent operations between 1970 and 2002. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of shoulder pain; spinati muscle function was evaluated with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center grading system. Side of lesion and sex were equally represented; mean follow-up was 18 months (range, 12-48 mo). SSN injuries/ entrapments were associated with occupational overuse (19), sports-related injury (16), direct trauma (4) and ganglion cysts (3). Thirty-one (79%) of 39 patients with suprascapular notch SSN injuries/entrapments, excluding ganglion cysts, presented with mild to moderate shoulder pain and spinati weakness. RESULTS: Motor function for these 31 patients was graded on a scale of 0 to 5. Preoperatively, patients had supraspinatus function Grades 0 to 2 and infraspinatus function Grades 0 to 2. Supraspinatus function improved postoperatively to Grade 4 or better in 28 patients (90%) and to Grades 2 to 3 in 3 patients (10%). Infraspinatus function improved to better than Grade 3 in 10 patients (32%), to Grades 2 to 3 in 14 patients (45%), and to Grade 1 in 7 patients (23%). Preoperatively, eight (21%) of 39 patients presenting with persistent severe pain had Grade 3 spinati strength. Of these eight patients, seven (88%) had an improvement in pain postoperatively. Strength in this group remained the same or improved to Grade 4. Postoperatively, three patients with ganglion cysts had good improvement in spinati function. CONCLUSION: Although SSN injury/entrapment is rare, 42 patients are presented who responded well to SSN release. Supraspinatus muscle improvement was as good as or better than that achieved in the infraspinatus.

The authors review 118 operative brachial plexus gunshot wounds (GSWs), causing 293 element injuries that were managed over a 30-year period at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Retrospective chart reviews were performed. Using the LSUHSC grading system for motor sensory function, each element's grades were combined and averaged. Most of the 293 injured elements were found to have gross continuity at operation and of 202 elements with complete neurological loss, only 16 (8%) exhibited total disruption. Of 293 injuries, 128 elements with complete or incomplete loss were not only in continuity when explored but also had positive intraoperative nerve action potentials (NAPs). After neurolysis, 120 of 128 elements in continuity (94%) improved to greater than or equal to Grade 3 function. Elements not regenerating early usually required repair. One hundred fifty-six of 202 completely or incompletely injured elements (77%) required resection and suture or graft repair based on intraoperative NAPs. Neurolysis achieved greater than or equal to Grade 3 results in 42 (91%) of 46 elements with complete loss. Suture repair resulted in good outcomes in 14 (67%) of 21 and in 73 (54%) of 135 undergoing graft repairs (1 to 3.5 cm length) and presenting with complete loss. Of 91 incomplete elements, intraoperative NAPs were positive in 82 (90%) and 78 of 82 had good results. Nine had negative NAPs and six elements required suture repair. Three required grafts with results of greater than or equal to Grade 3 in five (83%) of six and two (67%) of three, respectively. Based on 118 patient results with 293 injured elements, guidelines for the management of GSWs were established as described in this paper.

The authors focus on injury mechanisms involved in 1019 operative brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) managed between 1968 and 1998 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC).Data regarding these mechanisms of injury were obtained via retrospective chart reviews of patients who had undergone operations at LSUHSC. Five main mechanisms of injury to the brachial plexus occurred in the series. These included 509 stretch/contusion injuries (49%) with four patterns of presentation in 366 patients: 208 C5-T1 nerve injuries; 75 C5-7, 55 C5-6 injuries; and 28 involving the C8-T1 or C7-T1 nerves. Stretch/contusion injury was followed in frequency by gunshot wound (GSW), resulting in 118 injuries (12%). Most of the 293 involved plexus elements had some gross continuity when surgically exposed. Seventy-one lacerations involved the brachial plexus (7%), including 83 sharp lacerations caused by knives or glass; 61 blunt transections due to automobile metal, fan, and motor blades, chain saws, or animal bites. Nontraumatic BPIs included 160 cases of thoracic outlet syndrome or 16% of the total of 1019 BPIs. There were 161 tumors (16%) of neural sheath origin including 55 solitary neurofibromas (34%), 32 neurofibromas associated with von Recklinghausen disease (20%), 54 schwannomas (34%), and 20 malignant nerve sheath tumors (20%) removed. Obstetrical BPI was not included in the original series; however, the current literature is reviewed in this paper.The conclusion of this study is that the brachial plexus can be injured by multiple mechanisms of which stretch/contusion injury is the most frequently encountered, followed by GSWs.

This is a retrospective review of 33 charts of patients with ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric neuralgias who underwent a neurectomy at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center between 1967 and 2000. Operations associated with neuralgias and postoperative pain outcomes were analyzed.There were 23 ilioinguinal and 10 combined ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric neuralgias, and the side of the lesion and sex of the patient were found to be evenly distributed in this group. Nerve blocks must have resulted in a complete or substantial decrease in pain before a neurectomy was recommended. Twenty-nine (88%) of 33 neuralgia patients had injuries from iatrogenic causes, and 4 (12%) injuries were caused by blunt trauma. In the 23 isolated ilioinguinal neuralgias, the operation associated with neuralgias in 13 (57%) of 23 patients was a herniorrhaphy. This was followed by 4 (17%) neuralgias after an appendectomy and 3 (13%) after a hysterectomy. Three (13%) patients had neuralgias resulting from blunt trauma. Nine (90%) of 10 ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric lesions were caused by iatrogenic causes, and 1 (10%) neuralgia resulted from blunt trauma. A neurectomy was performed in all patients.The neurectomy resulted in considerable pain relief in 21 (91%) of 23 patients with ilioinguinal lesions and 9 (90%) of 10 patients with ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric lesions. Postoperative side effects were persistent numbness below the resected nerve and loss of the cremasteric reflex. Minor postoperative complications consisted of two superficial skin infections.Ilioinguinal and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric neuralgias are infrequent conditions; however, 33 patients from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center were accrued and analyzed in this study, and most had significant pain relief after neurectomy.

Object. Based on a large multicenter experience and a review of the literature, the authors propose a unifying theory to explain an articular origin of peroneal intraneural ganglia. They believe that this unifying theory explains certain intriguing, but poorly understood findings in the literature, including the proximity of the cyst to the joint, the unusual preferential deep peroneal nerve (DPN) deficit, the absence of a pure superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) involvement, the finding of a pedicle in 40% of cases, and the high (10–20%) recurrence rate. Methods. The authors believe that peroneal intraneural lesions are derived from the superior tibiofibular joint and communicate from it via a one-way valve. Given access to the articular branch, the cyst typically dissects proximally by the path of least resistance within the epineurium and up the DPN and the DPN component of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) before compressing nearby SPN fascicles. The authors present objective evidence based on anatomical, clinical, imaging, operative, and histological data that support this unifying theory. Conclusions. The predictable clinical presentation, electrical studies, imaging characteristics, operative observations, and histological findings regarding peroneal intraneural ganglia can be understood in terms of their origin from the superior tibiofibular joint, the anatomy of the articular branch, and the internal topography of the peroneal nerve that the cyst invades. Understanding the controversial pathogenesis of these cysts will enable surgeons to perform operations based on the pathoanatomy of the articular branch of the CPN and the superior tibiofibular joint, which will ultimately improve clinical results.

Object. The peroneal nerve is the most common site of intraneural ganglia. The neurological deficit associated with these cysts is often severe and the operation to eradicate them is difficult. The aims of this multicenter study were to collate the authors' experience with a relatively rare lesion and to improve clinical outcomes by better understanding its controversial pathogenesis. Methods. Part I of this paper offers a description of 24 patients with peroneal intraneural ganglia who were treated by surgeons aware of the importance of the peroneal nerve's articular branch. Part II offers a description of three more patients who were seen after earlier operations in which the ganglion was excised, but the articular branch was not identified (all reportedly gross-total resections). Twenty-six of the 27 patients presented with clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging evidence of a common peroneal nerve (CPN) lesion, predominantly affecting the deep peroneal nerve (DPN) division, and one patient presented with a painful mass of the CPN that was not accompanied by a neurological deficit. In all 24 patients in Part I there was magnetic resonance (MR) imaging evidence of a connection between the cyst and the superior tibiofibular joint, including one patient in whom high-resolution (3-tesla) MR neurography demonstrated the pathological articular branch itself. At the operation, the communication proved to extend through the articular branch of the CPN in all cases. The operation consisted of drainage of the cyst and ligation of the articular branch. At a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, these patients experienced significant improvements in their neuropathic pain, but only mild improvements in their functional deficits. In none of the 24 patients was there evidence of an intraneural recurrence. In three patients, however, extraneural ganglia developed: two patients with symptoms subsequently underwent resection of the superior tibiofibular joint without further recurrence and one patient with no symptoms was followed clinically after the recurrence was detected incidentally on 1-year postoperative imaging. As predicted, in Part II all three patients in whom the articular branch had not been ligated experienced early intraneural recurrence; both postoperative MR images and original studies, which were retrospectively examined, demonstrated a connection with the superior tibiofibular joint. Conclusions. The clinical presentation, electrical studies, imaging characteristics, and operative observations regarding peroneal intraneural ganglia are predictable. Treatment must address the underlying pathoanatomy and should include decompression of the cyst and ligation of the articular branch of the nerve. To avoid extraneural recurrence, resection of the superior tibiofibular joint may also be necessary, but indications for this additional procedure need to be defined. These recommendations are based on the authors' belief that intraneural peroneal ganglia arise from the superior tibiofibular joint and are connected to it by the articular branch.

Object. Outcomes of 1019 brachial plexus lesions in patients who underwent surgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center during a 30-year period are reviewed in this paper to provide management guidelines. Methods. Causes of brachial plexus lesions included 509 stretches/contusions (50%), 161 plexus tumors (16%), 160 thoracic outlet syndromes (TOSs, 16%), 118 gunshot wounds (12%), and 71 lacerations (7%). Many features of clinical presentation, including prior treatment, patient's neurological status, results of electrophysiological studies, intraoperative findings, and postoperative level of function, were studied. The minimum follow-up period was 18 months and the mean follow-up period was 42 months. Repairs were best for injuries located at the C-5, C-6, and C-7 levels, the upper and middle trunk, the lateral cord to the musculocutaneous nerve, and the median and posterior cords to the axillary and radial nerves. Conversely, results were poor for injuries at the C-8 and T-1 levels, and for lower trunk and medial cord lesions, with the exception of injuries of the medial cord to the median nerve. Outcomes were most favorable when patients were carefully evaluated and selected for surgery, although variables such as lesion type, location, and severity, as well as time since injury also affected outcome. This was true also of TOSs and tumors arising from the plexus, especially if they had not been surgically treated previously. Conclusions. Surgical exploration and repair of brachial plexus lesions is technically feasible and favorable outcomes can be achieved if patients are thoroughly evaluated and appropriately selected.

Object. In this article the authors present a retrospective analysis of 654 surgical outcomes in patients with ulnar nerve entrapments, injuries, and tumors during a 30-year period. Methods. Data were gathered between 1968 and 1998 at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Mechanisms of injuries or lesions included 460 entrapments at the elbow level (70%), 76 lacerations (12%), 52 stretches/contusions (8%), 34 fractures/dislocations (5%), 12 gunshot wounds (2%), two injection-induced injuries (0.3%), and 13 nerve sheath tumors (2%). In cases of entrapment, direct operative recordings uniformly demonstrated a slowing of conduction at the elbow, even in cases in which preoperative noninvasive studies had been nondiagnostic. Intraoperative electrical “inching” studies also demonstrated significant conduction abnormalities that lie just proximal to and through the olecranon notch rather than distal, beneath the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. There were only eight exceptions to this. Lesions not in continuity due to the injury required primary or secondary end-to-end sutures or graft repair. Aided by intraoperative nerve action potential recording, lesions in continuity received either external or internal neurolysis and split repair or resection followed by end-to-end suture or graft repair. Functional recoveries of Grade 3 or better were seen in 81 (92%) of 88 patients who underwent neurolysis, 42 (72%) of 58 patients who received suture repair, and 24 (67%) of 36 patients who received graft repair. Nevertheless, fewer Grade 4 or 5 recoveries were reached than those seen in patients with radial or median nerve injuries. Nerve sheath tumors were resected with preservation of preoperative function in five of seven patients. Conclusions. Although difficult to obtain, useful functional recovery can be achieved with proper surgical management of ulnar nerve entrapments and injuries.

An unusual case is presented in which a major peripheral nerve was compressed extrinsically by a schwannoma derived from a minor en passant triceps nerve branch.

OBJECTIVEThis retrospective study presents 33 years of clinical and surgical experience with 135 tibial nerve lesions to review operative techniques and their results and to provide management guidelines for the proper selection of surgical candidates.METHODSBetween 1967 and 1999, 135 patients with tibial nerve lesions at the knee level or below were managed surgically at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. We reviewed these cases.RESULTSOf the 135 cases, traumatic injury accounted for 71, tarsal tunnel syndrome for 46, and nerve sheath tumor for 18. Of 22 lesions not in continuity, functional recovery of Grade 3 or better was achieved in 4 (67%) of 6 patients who required end-to-end suture repair and 11 (69%) of 16 patients who required graft repair. One hundred thirteen tibial nerve lesions in continuity underwent primarily external or internal neurolysis or resection of the lesions. A few received end-to-end suture or graft repair. Direct intraoperative recording of nerve action potentials guided case management decisions. Among the 113 patients with lesions in continuity, 76 (81%) of 94 patients receiving neurolysis, 5 (83%) of 6 receiving suture repair, and 11 (85%) of 13 receiving graft repair recovered function to Grade 3 or better. Repair results were best in patients with recordable nerve action potentials treated by external neurolysis. Results were poor in a few patients with very lengthy lesions in continuity and in reoperated patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome.CONCLUSIONSurgical exploration and repair of tibial nerve lesions, including nerve sheath tumors and tarsal tunnel syndromes, achieved excellent outcomes.

Object. Severe nerve injury induces the formation of a neuroma. Some neuromas cause excruciating pain. Overexpression of Na+ channels leads to hyperexcitability and painful phenomena. Ankyrin G, a multifunctional transmembrane protein of the axolemma, might be a key protein in neuroma formation because it binds Na+ channels in the initial segments of a regenerating axon and links with neuronal cell adhesion molecules. The authors wanted to determine if ankyrin G could be detected in neuroma, and if present, whether there would be differences in distribution between nonpainful neuromas, painful neuromas, and normal nerve. Methods. First, frozen sections of nine nerve specimens obtained from six patients (six nonpainful neuromas, one painful neuroma, and two normal nerves) were immunocytochemically screened for ankyrin G by using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Second, specimens from 29 patients (seven painful neuromas, 15 nonpainful neuromas, and seven normal nerves) were examined using immunoblot analysis for their ankyrin G content. Western blot analysis detected ankyrin G, which was visualized by applying the enhanced chemiluminescence technique. Computerized densitometry was used to quantitate ankyrin G expression by comparing band intensities. Normal nerve served as control. Neurofilament was used as a marker for nerve tissue content. Ankyrin G could be detected and was found to be increased in neuromas. The mean band intensity values were 1838 for painful neuromas, 1166 for nonpainful neuromas, and 411 for normal nerves. In two cases the authors were able to compare specimens of painful neuroma and normal nerve from the same patient. The painful neuromas exhibited considerably higher levels of ankyrin G. Painful neuroma and normal nerve densitometry values were 499 and 165, respectively, for one patient, and 4254 and 821, respectively, for the other patient. Painful neuromas were also found to have higher neurofilament values than nonpainful neuromas. Conclusions. Altered regulation of ankyrin G after nerve injury may lead to hyperexcitability and painful phenomena via clustering of Na+ channels. A propensity to overexpress ankyrin G after peripheral nerve trauma may turn out to be a factor in the development of painful neuromas and neuropathic pain. The relevant literature regarding the importance of ankyrin G for nerve regeneration and nerve membrane remodeling is reviewed.

Object. The goal of this paper was to review surgical management and outcomes in patients treated for radial nerve (RN) lesions at Louisiana State University Health Sciences over a period of 30 years. Methods. Two hundred sixty patients with RN injuries were evaluated. The most common mechanisms of injuries involving the RN included fracture of the humerus, laceration, blunt contusions, and gunshot wounds. One hundred and eighty patients (69%) underwent surgery. Lesions not in continuity required primary or secondary end-to-end suture repairs or graft repairs. With the use of direct intraoperative nerve action potential recording, RN injuries in which the lesion was in continuity required external or internal neurolysis or resection of the lesion followed by end-to-end suture or graft repair. A minimum of 1.5 years follow-up review was available in 90% of the patients who underwent surgery. Motor function recovery to Grade 3 or better was observed in 10 (91%) of 11 patients who underwent primary suture repair, 25 (83%) of 30 who underwent secondary suture repair, 43 (80%) of 54 who received graft repair, and 63 (98%) of 64 in whom neurolysis was performed. Sixteen (71%) of 21 patients with superficial sensory RN injury achieved satisfactory pain relief after complete resection of a neuroma or neurolysis. Conclusions. This study clearly demonstrates that excellent functional recovery can be achieved with proper surgical management of RN injuries.

Object. The authors conducted a retrospective study of 107 consecutive patients with 111 brachial plexus tumors surgically treated at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). Methods. During a 12-year period, from 1986 to 1998, 371 patients with lesions of the brachial plexus underwent surgery at LSUHSC. Among this group, 107 patients harbored 111 tumors of the brachial plexus. Neural sheath tumors were the most commonly found and included 33 neurofibromas (20 of which were associated with von Recklinghausen disease), 36 schwannomas, and 12 malignant neural sheath tumors. Of the non—neural sheath tumors, 13 were benign and 17 were malignant. Presenting symptoms included pain (59%), palpable mass (52%), paresthesias (30%), and paresis (29%). Anterior supraclavicular (82%) or posterior subscapular (18%) approaches were used to achieve gross-total (79%) or subtotal (21%) resection of tumor. The average follow-up period was 38.3 months or 3.2 years. Seventy percent of patients with benign neural sheath tumors became free from pain postoperatively or reported improvement in their preoperative pain status. Function remained intact or improved in 50% and remained stable postoperatively in another 20% of cases. Preservation of function was more likely in patients who presented intact and in those who had not undergone a previous attempted biopsy procedure or resection than in those in whom such manipulation had occurred. Conclusions. Resection of most plexal tumors is technically feasible and associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates.

OBJECTIVE : Nerve action potential (NAP) recording is a proven and useful tool in the surgical management of nerve injury. Understanding its materials and methods as well as its pitfalls and limitations is necessary for successful and routine use of this tool. METHODS : The basic electrophysiology of nerve and its implications in the setting of nerve trauma and regeneration are reviewed. Electrode design and electrode placement are discussed. The use of simple electromyographic/nerve conduction machines for intraoperative recording of NAPs is developed, along with some of the technical problems that result from electrophysiological recording in an electrically hostile environment. RESULTS : NAP recording is a good indicator of useful recovery in nerve trauma. The presence and demonstration of an NAP is associated with a 90% chance of recovery to a useful motor state. CONCLUSION : NAP recording provides useful information regarding the regenerative potential of a damaged nerve long before that potential is clinically evident. This information is critical in the optimal management of nerve injuries. The techniques of NAP recording are straightforward, but attention to detail is important, and full understanding of the method is required.