Clinical and instrumental characteristics of traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves of limbs

Traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves are caused by domestic, iatrogenic, industrial or military injuries. The estimated frequency of traumatic neuropathies in peacetime in Europe is 1 per 1000, with the highest prevalence among young people of working age. In modern local armed conflicts, the frequency and severity of gunshot injuries increased significantly. In connection with the widespread use of personal protective equipment (helmet, body armor), there is a relative increase in injuries to the limbs. Damage to the peripheral nerve can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life and lead to severe disability with significant social and personal consequences. A deep understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular basis of damage to the peripheral nerves, achievements in the field of damage topography contributed to the development of microsurgical techniques of treatment. At the same time, there are quite a lot of unresolved issues related to clarifying the mechanisms of degeneration and regeneration in traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves. To determine and select a further tactic for the treatment of traumatic neuropathy, it is necessary to clarify the level, nature and severity of nerve damage. In order to improve the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, in addition to the clinical-neurological examination, a wide range of additional modern instrumental research techniques are used: electroneuromyography, ultrasound investigation, magnetic resonance tomography.