This unique volume presents the first successful surgical strategy to repair the spinal root and the associated spinal cord injury that follows from severe traction injuries to the brachial and lumbosacral nerve plexus. The basic science background to this novel surgical technique is described, and the contemporary palliative procedures as well as clinical and ancillary assessments are given together with a meticulous description of the functional outcome of the surgery.

Covering the research that led to the author's pioneering application of this surgical technique to the clinical human situation, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the author’s work as a leading basic scientist and nerve surgeon. It is a journey from ideas born in the laboratory to successful application to a difficult human problem involving loss of function and severe pain from a certain type of spinal cord injury.

The first step leading to the treatment of a severe and devastating spinal cord injury has been taken and is described in this book.

Contents:

• Introduction
• The Intraspinal Plexus Injury and Its Natural History
• Surgical Anatomy
• Assessment of Patients with Intraspinal Plexus Injuries
• Palliative Peripheral Nerve Procedures for Spinal Root Injuries
• Basic Science of Experimental Root Injuries
• Surgical Exposures and Repairs
• Outcome
• Conclusion

“In summary, this book is inspirational in describing the efforts of a true surgical pioneer over many years to tackle one of the most challenging surgical procedures to treat traumatic injuries which involve damage to spinal nerve roots as they enter at the spinal cord. It represents an injury at the interface of peripheral and central nervous systems and therefore poses certain unique challenges, as well as opportunities to compare and contrast what regenerating axons can and cannot do within these two very different environments. Dr Carlstedt has done what many physicians hope to do but very few ever achieve. He has increased our understanding of an important biological and clinical problem at a scientific level as well as pioneered a new surgical approach that is benefiting patients significantly. This book and the efforts represented in it serves as an inspiration to all of us interested in advancing the field of medicine.”