Surgical Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves

Since the highly praised first edition of Surgical Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves was published in 1998, greater understanding of the the molecular and cellular events which underlie the response of nerves to injury, regeneration and neuropathic pain has been achieved.

This second edition has been fully updated in line with new clinical knowledge, and also incorporates the extensive study of thousands of surgical case studies spanning repairs of the supraclavicular plexus in the adult, the birth lesion of the brachial plexus,compound nerve injury and iatrogenous injury.

Beginning with the fundamentals of the anatomy and function of the peripheral nervous system, and working its way through various types of injury, operative methods, the regeneration and recovery of nerves, surgical reconstruction, pain, and rehabilitation, this eloquently written work provides the reader with the solid understanding required to successfully perform surgery on the peripheral nervous system.

Dr Shelagh Smith, joined by Dr Ravi Knight, has rewritten the chapter Electrodiagnosis.  Professor Tara Renton has written a new chapter on injuries to the trigeminal nerve in maxilla-facial and dental work.  The drawings, by Mr Philip Wilson, are new.  Most of the 700 illustrations are also new.

This thorough and authoritative look at the surgical treatment of the peripheral nerves is fully illustrated throughout with exquisite line diagrams and clear, instructive photographs.

From the reviews of the second edition:

“This is a good book on the pathology, surgical exposures, and complications following peripheral nerve injuries. … This is a good book for neurosurgeons, orthopaedic specialists, and rehab doctors. I very highly recommend it to you in the long run.” (Joseph J. Grenier, Amazon.com, June, 2014)

Rolfe Birch, M.Chir FRCP&S (Glas) FRCS (Edin) FRCS (Eng) by election, is a well known nerve repair specialist, and he teaches all levels of doctors in training. He is Professor in Neurological Orthopedic Surgery, University College London; Visiting Professor, Department of Academic Neurology, Imperial College London, and Honorary Orthopaedic Consultant, Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street, London.  He also holds posts at The National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, Queen Square, London and at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. 

He is also involved in military medicine, as Honorary Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Royal Navy and Consultant in Charge, War Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Leatherhead in Surrey.

From 1979 to 2008 he was Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.  In 1983 he was appointed the Head of Department of the Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit there and from 1984 to 2000 he was Co-Director of the Rehabilitation Unit.

From 1979 to 1991 he was also Orthopaedic Surgeon to St. Mary's Hospital in London, and Consultant in Charge of the Accident and Emergency Department until 1984.

He is also involved in military medicine, as Honorary Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Royal Navy and Consultant in Charge, War Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Leatherhead in Surrey.

From 1979 to 2008 he was Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.  In 1983 he was appointed the Head of Department of the Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit there and from 1984 to 2000 he was Co-Director of the Rehabilitation Unit.

From 1979 to 1991 he was also Orthopaedic Surgeon to St. Mary's Hospital in London, and Consultant in Charge of the Accident and Emergency Department until 1984.