Chirurgie peripherer Nerven kompakt (Compact Peripheral Nerve Surgery)

Gregor Antoniadis, Leila Harhaus, Hans Assmus. Chirurgie peripherer Nerven kompakt. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer; 2021 (XVI, 399 pages) ISBN 978-3-662-62503-3.

Peripheral nerve surgery is an important field not only in neurosurgery but also in other specialties. In many neurosurgical departments, peripheral nerve surgery is underrepresented. However, there is a great interest in learning the techniques of peripheral nerve surgery, especially among the younger generation of neurosurgeons. Good comprehensive textbooks on peripheral nerve surgery are rare. Therefore, “Chirurgie peripherer Nerven kompakt” is a timely interdisciplinary publication covering all aspects of peripheral nerve surgery. The book is written in German.

The contributing authors from various specialties are all experts in the field. The 400-page book gives a comprehensive overview of peripheral nerve surgery. All chapters are very well written and beautifully illustrated. Additionally, online videos demonstrating nerve sonography are included to enhance the learning effect. The scope of the book is appropriate. The volume is divided into 21 chapters.

The first five chapters deal with anatomy of all peripheral nerves including their corresponding innervation areas, clinical and electrophysiologic examination, as well as imaging of peripheral nerves. The following chapters describe intraoperative monitoring and classifications of nerve injuries. The next two chapters give an overview of all surgical techniques including endoscopic procedures. A major chapter is dedicated to compression syndromes. Thereafter, the specific injuries of nerves of the head and neck and upper and lower extremities are addressed. Separate chapters deal with the complicated treatment of brachial plexus injuries, neuromas, and iatrogenic injuries. Additionally, secondary plastic surgical procedures, neuropathic pain, peripheral nerve tumors, and rehabilitation after traumatic nerve injuries are covered. The final chapter outlines the principles of rehabilitation and medical assessment of peripheral nerve injuries.

The book presents the current knowledge of peripheral nerve surgery. Like a cookbook, it demonstrates the current indications and gives the reader a step-by-step description of basic and advanced surgical procedures. The most relevant literature is cited. I like especially the compact style of the book, which gives the reader a quick information of all possible problems one may face in clinical practice when dealing with peripheral nerve problems.

In conclusion, this compact book is an outstanding resource for all who are interested in peripheral nerve surgery. It is appropriate for both beginners and experts in peripheral nerve surgery. The editors are to be congratulated for this excellent contribution to the neurosurgical literature.

Publication History

Article published online:
23 May 2023