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Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 11/2015

01-11-2015 | Technical Note - Neurosurgical Techniques

A simple method of skin mapping for planning the operative approach in peripheral nerve injuries

Authors: Panagiotis Symeonidis, Nikolaos Daniilidis, Panagiotis Givissis

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 11/2015

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Abstract

Background

The operative treatment of post-traumatic neuromas includes open exploration, excision of adhesions and/or neurectomy. Apart from the anatomical variations of the peripheral nerves and their branches’ routes, nerves may be further deviated from their expected anatomical locations due to scar tissue formation. We describe a simple and reproducible method of preoperative skin marking which aids the development of an accurate surgical exposure for the localisation of a lesion.

Method

Skin marking is based on clinical assessment and is performed by the bedside on the day of the operation. It consists of mapping the skin with permanent marker by repeatedly using three symbols, namely √, O or X. These refer respectively to areas of normal sensation, numbness (decreased or no sensation without paraesthesia) and pain/dysaesthesia. Points with a positive Tinel sign were marked with an “X in a square”. Fourteen patients, aged 21–55 years old, with post-traumatic neuromas, were marked with the method. A total of 18 neuromas were successfully located in the upper and lower limbs.

Results

In all cases the preoperative skin marking corresponded to the course of the nerve and/or its branches. All patients were improved with a good to excellent clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Planning the surgical approach according to the skin marking enabled limited operative exposures and corresponded to atypical locations and branching of the peripheral nerves.
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Metadata
Title
A simple method of skin mapping for planning the operative approach in peripheral nerve injuries
Authors
Panagiotis Symeonidis
Nikolaos Daniilidis
Panagiotis Givissis
Publication date
01-11-2015
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2561-y

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