Clin Plastic Surg 30 (2003) ix

Preface

Peripheral nerve surgery

Susan E. Mackinnon, MD Guest Editor

As reflected in the authorship of this issue of Clinics in Plastic Surgery, the management of patients with peripheral nerve injuries does not fall within the responsibility of a single surgical specialty. Without the designation of a specific subspecialty, the development of peripheral nerve surgery has been influenced by individuals with disparate backgrounds and training. This has no doubt broadened its base and its diversity, resulting in a de facto subspecialty that has benefited from the diversity of philosophies and surgical expertise that is found among these groups. Historically, the results following nerve repair have been poor, which has inspired surgeons to explore new treatment strategies. The newer techniques and the management of nerve injuries are based on significant advances in the understanding of nerve injury and regeneration and have been greatly influenced by the neurobiology and neuroimmunology of nerve regeneration. A unique group of individuals has contributed to this issue, which provides a concise but encompassing discussion of peripheral nerve injuries. Neurology, neuroscience, the surgical subspecialties, and rehabilitation are represented. Christine Novak, physical therapist, discusses evaluation and postoperative rehabilitation of nerve injury. Asa Wilbourne, neurologist, reviews the electrophysiology of nerve injury. Peter Amadio and Robert Spinner, orthopedic and neurosurgeons, review the common yet frequently troublesome problem of peripheral nerve compression in the upper extremity. Similar problems in the lower extremity are discussed by two experts in

peripheral nerve surgery, Drs. Thoma and Levis. Drs. Clarke and Marcus, both pediatric plastic surgeons, review obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. The neurobiology of nerve regeneration, nerve transfers, facial reanimation, adult brachial plexus injuries, nerve repair grafting, and nerve transfers are covered by Drs. Lowe, Tung, Myckatyn, Dvali, and Maggi, all plastic surgeons. Drs. Vernadakis and Koch address the very difficult topic of painful neuroma. Robin Richards, orthopedic surgeon, provides an important review of reliable tendon transfers that can be critical in maximizing functional results for individuals with longstanding nerve injuries. This issue of Clinics in Plastic Surgery will be important for residents and attending surgeons in a broad number of specialties. I am grateful for the tremendous expertise that is represented in this issue and for the considerable amount of effort that these talented authors have expended to make each article a special contribution to the ever-evolving understanding of the problems challenging surgeons who deal with peripheral nerve injuries. Susan E. Mackinnon, MD Shoenberg Professor and Chief Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Washington University St. Louis Suite 17424, East Pavilion, Box 8238 One Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza St. Louis, MO 63110, USA E-mail address: mackinnons@msnotes.wustl.edu

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