[Diagnostics and surgical treatment of peripheral nerve lesions]

Traumatic peripheral nerve lesions are defined as loss of nerve function due to the effects of external violence. They are relatively rare but can lead to severe sensorimotor deficits. Further impairments can occur due to soft tissue and bony injuries. Peripheral nerve lesions require a long clinical convalescence period and neurological deficits are often permanent. In recent years, the approach to treating peripheral traumatic nerve lesions has shifted towards early, active treatment upon detection of a structural lesion. This includes surgical reconstructive procedures aimed at restoring the lost functions as effectively as possible. High resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography have emerged as complimentary tools in the past years. Thus, early detection of structural lesions is possible, which contributes to the strategy of early surgery.