Nerve decompression

A nerve decompression is a neurosurgical procedure to relieve chronic, direct pressure on a nerve to treat nerve entrapment, a pain syndrome characterized by severe chronic pain and muscle weakness. In this way a nerve decompression targets the underlying pathophysiology of the syndrome and is considered a first-line surgical treatment option for peripheral nerve pain.[1] Despite treating the underlying cause of the disease, the symptoms may not be fully reversible as delays in diagnosis can allow permanent damage to occur to the nerve and surrounding microvasculature. Traditionally only nerves accessible with open surgery have been good candidates, however innovations in laparoscopy and nerve-sparing techniques made nearly all nerves in the body good candidates, as surgical access is no longer a barrier.

  1. ^ Lipinski, L. J.; Spinner, R. J. (2014). "Neurolysis, neurectomy, and nerve repair/Reconstruction for chronic pain". Neurosurgery Clinics of North America. 25 (4): 777–787. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2014.07.002. PMID 25240664.