[Iatrogenic injuries of the peripheral nerves: analysis of 226 cases]

In 226 patients with iatrogenic peripheral nerve injuries, the causes were analyzed in detail. The iatrogenic nerve injuries were incurred through injection of therapeutic agents in 84 patients, inadvertent division by the surgeon in 44, traction during orthopaedic operation in 27, and undue compression from an ill-fitting splint or plaster cast in 26. The prophylaxis of such iatrogenic lesions is discussed. It cannot be over-stressed to exercise special care to prevent the nerve from being injured in the course of dissection or in any therapeutic maneuver, and to grasp a precise knowledge of pertinent anatomy on the part of the surgeon. Iatrogenic nerve injury is avoidable and, once incurred, satisfactory results can be expected and its consequences minimized when recognized and treated early and properly.