Nerve Surgeons Research Articles

Title: IDENTIFYING THE AXILLARY NERVE DURING SHOULDER SURGERY: AN ANATOMIC STUDY USING ADVANCED IMAGING

Background:The axillary nerve (AXN) is one of the more commonly injured nerves during shoulder surgery. Prior anatomic studies of the AXN in adults were performed using cadaveric specimens with small sample sizes. Our research observes a larger cohort of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in order to gain a more representative sample of the course of the axillary nerve and aid surgeons intraoperatively.Methods:High-resolution 3T MRI studies performed at our institution from January 2010 to June 2019 were reviewed. Four blinded reviewers with musculoskeletal radiology or orthopaedic surgery training measured the distance of the AXN to the surgical neck of the humerus (SNH), the lateral tip of the acromion (LTA), and the inferior glenoid rim (IGR). Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess reliability between reviewers. The nerve location was assessed relative to rotator cuff tear status.Results:A total of 257 shoulder MRIs were included. ICC was excellent at 0.80 for SNH, 0.90 for LTA and 0.94 for IGR. All intra-observer reliabilities were above 0.80. Mean distance from AXN to SNH was 1.7 cm (0.7-3.1 cm, IQR 1.38-2.00) and AXN to IGR was 1.6 cm (0.6-2.6 cm, IQR 1.33-1.88). The mean AXN to LTA distance was 7.1 cm, with a range of 5.2 to 9.0 cm across patient heights; there was a large effect size related to LTA to AXN distance and patient height with a correlation of r=0.603, (p<0.001). Rotator cuff pathology appears to affect nerve location by increasing the distance between AXN and SNH (p = 0.027).Discussion/Conclusion:The AXN is vulnerable to injury during both open and arthroscopic shoulder procedures. This injury can be either a result of direct trauma to the nerve or secondary to traction placed on the nerve with reconstructive procedures that distalize the humerus. Our study demonstrates that the axillary nerve can be found as little as 5.6 mm from IGR and 6.9 mm from the SNH. Additionally, we illustrate the relationship between patient height and LTA to AXN distance and complete rotator cuff tears and SNH to AXN distance. Our study is the first to demonstrate the nerve’s proximity to important surgical landmarks of the shoulder using a large sample size of high-resolution images in living human shoulders.Tables/Figures:Figure 1:.Example of measurements completed in each MRI study. Line A represents the distance between the lateral tip of the acromion process and the axillary nerve (LTA to AXN). Line B represents the distance between the inferior glenoid rim and the axillary nerve (IGR to AXN). Line C represents the distance between the surgical neck of the humerus and the axillary nerve (SNH to AXN). Average measurements derived from this study are labeled in parentheses.

Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Economic Burden on Patients Seeking Surgical Treatment for Chronic Nerve Injuries.

Little emphasis has been paid toward characterizing the socioeconomic burdens experienced by patients seeking treatment for chronic nerve injuries. The aim of this study was to characterize the direct and indirect costs faced by patients with chronic nerve injuries and their attendant health care utilization. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all patients (N = 767) from a single nerve surgeon's practice treated for chronic nerve injuries in the ambulatory setting between 2014 and 2020. Data collected included demographics, etiology, comorbidities, duration and severity of symptoms, history of prior medical and interventional treatments, work or school time lost due to injury or treatment, money spent on treatment, and health care utilization. Of the 767 patients, 209 (27.2%) completed the survey. Average age was 48.8 (SD = 19.1) years, 68.9% female and 31.1% male. Patients with chronic nerve injury reported significant direct costs, indirect costs, and health care utilization associated with their nerve injury symptoms. Direct costs consisted of out-of-pocket spending (68.4% had spent >$1000 per year), physician specialists visits (71.3% had seen at least 4 specialists), and prior interventional procedures intended to address symptoms. Indirect costs included lost time from work or school (24.6% had missed more than 12 months). Health care utilization, represented by annual emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to nerve symptoms, was increased relative to the general population. Detailed statistics are presented in the manuscript. Chronic nerve injuries may be associated with a notable socioeconomic burden to the patient, including missed work or school, frequent physician visits and procedures, hospital visits, and out-of-pocket costs. Interdisciplinary algorithms recognizing a role for surgical evaluation in patients with chronic neuropathic pain due to underlying nerve injuries would facilitate future research into whether timely surgical intervention may reduce this economic burden.

Chronic Nerve Injuries and Delays in Surgical Treatment Negatively Impact Patient-reported Quality of Life.

Background:Little emphasis has been paid to characterize quality of life (QoL) burdens experienced by patients seeking surgical treatment for nerve injuries and neuropathic pain.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all patients (N = 767) from a single nerve surgeon’s practice between 2014 and 2019. Data collected included demographics, specifics of the injury and symptoms, time to referral, and effects of the injury, surgery, and timing of surgery on QoL.Results:Of the 767 patients, 209 (27.2%) completed the survey. Average age was 48.8 years; 68.9% of patients were women and 31.1% men. At presentation, 68% had experienced symptoms for more than 1 year; 86.1% reported severity as being profound; 97.6% reported QoL was at least moderately negatively impacted by nerve injury; 70% felt they should have been referred earlier for surgical evaluation; 51.2% were not told that nerve surgery was an option for their problem; 83.1% felt that earlier referral would have improved their QoL. After surgery, symptoms were significantly mitigated in 55.5% of the patients, moderately mitigated in 21.5%. Patients reported QoL was significantly (59.8%) or at least moderately (76.6%) improved by nerve surgery.Conclusions:The majority of patients reported that nerve injuries imparted a moderate to severe impact on QoL, and that surgical treatment improved QoL. Most patients felt that earlier referral for surgical intervention would have led to better outcome and positively impacted QoL. Interdisciplinary treatment algorithms, including a role for surgical intervention, may be helpful in facilitating timely diagnosis, referral, and thus improved outcomes.

Predicting Healthy C5 Spinal Nerve Stumps Eligible for Grafting with MRI, Tinel Test, and Rhomboid Electromyography: A Retrospective Study of 295 Consecutive Brachial Plexus Surgeries.

Background MRI, Tinel test, and rhomboid electromyography (EMG) can be used to predict whether C5 spinal nerve stumps are healthy and eligible for grafting in acute adult brachial plexus injuries, but their comparative diagnostic efficacies have not been evaluated. Purpose To compare diagnostic performances of MRI, Tinel test, and rhomboid EMG in predicting healthy C5 spinal nerve stumps that are eligible for grafting. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive adult patients with acute brachial plexus injury who underwent microreconstructions between January 2008 and December 2018. Healthy C5 spinal nerve stumps eligible for grafting with preceding normal intradural nerve rootlets were diagnosed by an experienced neuroradiologist using an avulsion severity score system based on fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition or FIESTA neurography, which separates intradural nerve rootlets into normal, partial mild, severe, and complete avulsions. Tinel test and rhomboid EMG results were assessed by an experienced nerve surgeon and neurologist, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the three tests were compared using microdissection as the reference standard. P < .05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. Results A total of 251 patients (mean age, 31 years ± 13 [standard deviation]; 217 men) with brachial plexus injuries who had -undergone MRI (n = 251), Tinel test (n = 235), rhomboid EMG (n = 181) and MRI, Tinel test, and EMG (n = 172) were -included. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively, in predicting healthy C5 spinal nerve stumps eligible for grafting were 93% (233 of 251), 84% (58 of 69), and 96% (175 of 182) for MRI; 59% (139 of 235), 56% (37 of 66), and 60% (102 of 169) for Tinel test; and 39% (71 of 181), 85% (43 of 50), and 21% (28 of 131) for rhomboid EMG. MRI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.90; P < .001) -outperformed MRI and Tinel test (AUC, 0.74), Tinel test (AUC, 0.59), and rhomboid EMG (AUC, 0.53). Conclusion MRI performed best in the prediction of healthy graftable C5 spinal nerve stumps in acute adult brachial plexus injuries. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Current Concepts Review: Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy After Knee Dislocations

Dislocation of the native knee represents a challenging injury, further complicated by the high rate of concurrent injury to the common peroneal nerve (CPN). Initial management of this injury requires a thorough neurovascular examination, given the prevalence of popliteal artery injury and limb-threatening ischemia. Further management of a knee dislocation with associated CPN palsy requires coordinated care involving the sports surgeon for ligamentous knee reconstruction and the peripheral nerve surgeon for staged or concurrent peroneal nerve decompression and/or reconstruction. Finally, the foot and ankle surgeon is often required to manage a foot drop with a distal tendon transfer to restore foot dorsiflexion. For instance, the Bridle Procedure-a modification of the anterior transfer of the posterior tibialis muscle, under the extensor retinaculum, with tri-tendon anastomosis to the anterior tibial and peroneus longus tendons at the anterior ankle-can successfully return patients to brace-free ambulation and athletic function following CPN palsy. Cross-discipline coordination and collaboration is essential to ensure appropriate timing of operative interventions and ensure maintenance of passive dorsiflexion prior to tendon transfer.

Reset Neurectomy for Cutaneous Nerve Injuries.

SummaryDiffuse cutaneous nerve injuries, often caused by a crush mechanism, are challenging for the nerve surgeon. Discrete nerve transections and focal neuromas are easier to identify and have a more distinct treatment algorithm. Following crush injury to a noncritical sensory nerve, a successful local anesthetic block proximal to the injury may help determine the possibility of surgical intervention. In these cases, we describe a technique of “reset neurectomy” whereby a neurectomy is performed proximal to the zone of injury, and immediate repair or reconstruction (with or without a nerve graft) is performed. This technique may be useful in cases of diffuse, nontransection nerve injuries in which neuropathic pain is the primary symptom.

Reverse End-to-Side (Supercharging) Nerve Transfer: Conceptualization, Validation, and Translation.

Partial nerve recovery either after expectant observation following an injury in-continuity or after nerve repair is not an uncommon occurrence. Historically, treatment strategies in these situations-late repair, revision repair, or acceptance of a mediocre result-were unsatisfying. The reverse end-to-side, or supercharging, nerve transfer was conceived to offer a more palatable option. Partially validated primarily through small animal research, supercharging has been rapidly translated to clinical practice. Many have extended the indications beyond the original intent, though the final place of this technique in the peripheral nerve surgeon's armamentarium is still yet to be determined.

What’s New in Hand and Wrist Surgery

What’s New in Hand and Wrist Surgery

How to assess the recovery of muscular function following nerve injury: A view from surgeons and patients

Patient experience of motor recovery from denervation paralysis is complex and textured. The Medical Research Council (MRC) system of grading muscle peak volitional force is widely used as a single measure of assessment. However, it is becoming clear that current motor function assessments are not reflecting the patient lived experience of muscle reinnervation. Therefore, this study aimed to engage international expert nerve surgeons in a classical Delphi process to achieve a consensus of opinion on the ideal clinical assessment of motor function. This was compared with patient-reported impairments of reinnervated muscle. Invitations to engage in the Delphi process were extended to expert peripheral nerve surgeons across two international specialist meetings. For comparison, patients who attended a "Nerve Injury Community Day" were invited to complete a questionnaire on patient-reported impairments of reinnervated muscle. Questions were designed on the basis of a literature review and the clinical experiences of a specialist nerve injury unit. A combination of direct yes/no, multiple choice, open-ended and Likert questions were employed throughout the questionnaires. Eighteen surgeons engaged with the Delphi process; 18 and 11 responded to the first and second rounds respectively. Thirty-one patients responded to the questionnaire. It was found that clinicians were strongly biased towards efferent assessments of muscular function, while patients strongly favoured muscular fatigue, co-contraction and pain when monitoring their own recovery. The findings suggest that current clinical assessments of muscular function are inadequate and should embody measurements of afferent muscular function to better reflect the lived experience of muscle reinnervation.

Pernkopf's atlas: Should unethically obtained life-saving data be discarded?

Dr Pernkopf's Topographische anatomie des menschen (Topographical anatomy of man), in four volumes, was originally published in German. It had taken the author and his colleagues over twenty years to produce it, the first volume being published in 1937. It was translated into English in 1964. The atlas was received with uniform acclaim in Europe and America and praised for its accuracy and the quality of its illustrations. A recent study compared its utility with that of Dr Frank Netter's Atlas of human anatomy, first published in 1989, with its 7th edition out in 2018. "The respondents (nerve surgeons) found Pernkopf 's atlas having both greater anatomical detail (range 79%-91%) and greater utility for surgery (range 66%- 82%) when compared with Netter's (P < .001) in all plate comparisons." (1) Internationally renowned and respected neurosurgeon, Dr M Gazi Yasargil - not given to handing out praise lightly - said in 2004 of this atlas, "Pernkopf's work, in particular … Vol. 4 (800 pages, 218 figures) is of fantastic quality and is appreciated worldwide." (2) Surgeons continue to use Dr. Pernkopf's atlas to plan their operations (3). A recent example is its use in the treatment of a 13-year-old Israeli schoolboy (4). This essay discusses whether it is rational to refuse to use data and publications that are accurate and likely to help in treating patients. Since such information can save lives, should we spurn it because it was based on information obtained unethically?

Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Muscle Reinnervation.

Injured peripheral nerves but not central nerves have the capacity to regenerate and reinnervate their target organs. After the two most severe peripheral nerve injuries of six types, crush and transection injuries, nerve fibers distal to the injury site undergo Wallerian degeneration. The denervated Schwann cells (SCs) proliferate, elongate and line the endoneurial tubes to guide and support regenerating axons. The axons emerge from the stump of the viable nerve attached to the neuronal soma. The SCs downregulate myelin-associated genes and concurrently, upregulate growth-associated genes that include neurotrophic factors as do the injured neurons. However, the gene expression is transient and progressively fails to support axon regeneration within the SC-containing endoneurial tubes. Moreover, despite some preference of regenerating motor and sensory axons to “find” their appropriate pathways, the axons fail to enter their original endoneurial tubes and to reinnervate original target organs, obstacles to functional recovery that confront nerve surgeons. Several surgical manipulations in clinical use, including nerve and tendon transfers, the potential for brief low-frequency electrical stimulation proximal to nerve repair, and local FK506 application to accelerate axon outgrowth, are encouraging as is the continuing research to elucidate the molecular basis of nerve regeneration.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ assessment of the role of Pernkopf’s atlas in surgical practice

BackgroundThe use of the Pernkopf atlas of human anatomy in surgery presents ethical challenges due to the author’s association with the Nazi regime and the potential depiction of victims of this regime. The atlas was of particular utility to two surgical specialties: nerve surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The representation of peripheral nerves and complex head and neck anatomy is probably unequaled in any other atlas of anatomy. While the ethical implications of the use of Pernkopf’s atlas among nerve surgeons have been previously assessed, this study focuses on the volume dedicated to detailed images of head and neck dissections, and the ethical implications of using this atlas by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. ObjectiveTo (1) assess the role of the Pernkopf atlas in oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ current practice and (2) determine whether a proposal of four conditions would provide ethical guidance for use in surgery and education. MethodsMembers of three American oral and maxillofacial surgical societies (ACOMS, ASTMJS, AAOMS) were surveyed and 181 responses collected. The survey introduced the historical origin of the Pernkopf atlas, and respondents were asked whether they would use the atlas under specific conditions that could be a recommendation for its ethical handling. An anatomical plate comparison between Netter’s and Pernkopf’s atlases was performed to compare accuracy and surgical utility. ResultsForty-nine percent of respondents were aware of the Pernkopf atlas, and 9% of respondents were currently using it. Amongst those aware of the historical facts, 42% were comfortable using the atlas, 33% uncomfortable, and 25% undecided. The four conditions involving disclosure, bioethical and religious considerations, and remembrance led to 75% of those “uncomfortable” and “undecided” becoming “comfortable” with use. ConclusionsAmid recent developments and controversy regarding the Pernkopf atlas, a proposal detailing conditions for an ethical approach may provide guidance in surgical planning and education. Furthermore, this approach has implications for the future preparation and publication of anatomical atlases and their use.

Letter: The Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Neurosurgeons Worldwide.

Letter: The Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Neurosurgeons Worldwide.

Management of Nerve Trauma in the Mangled Extremity

In this review, we present a principled approach to surgical management of nerve injuries in the mangled extremity. We discuss initial evaluation of the mangled extremity, key considerations with respect to surgical planning and timing, and current options for restoration of function including nerve repair, interposition grafts, nerve transfers, and other adjunctive techniques. Significant advances have been made in nerve transfer techniques, providing another option for restoration of function in extremity nerve injury. Management of nerve injuries in the mangled extremity is a challenging endeavor that requires significant planning and consideration by the nerve surgeon. Optimal recovery of function necessitates careful selection of the most appropriate surgical option for a given patient.

Mechanisms and outcomes of the supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer: a review of preclinical and clinical studies.

Proximal peripheral nerve injuries often result in poor functional outcomes, chiefly because of the long time period between injury and the reinnervation of distal targets, which leads to muscle and Schwann cell atrophy. The supercharged end-to-side (SETS) nerve transfer is a recent technical innovation that introduces donor axons distally into the side of an injured nerve to rapidly innervate and support end organs while allowing for additional reinnervation after a proximal repair at the injury site. However, the mechanisms by which donor axons grow within the recipient nerve, contribute to muscle function, and impact the regeneration of native recipient axons are poorly understood. This uncertainty has slowed the transfer's clinical adoption. The primary objective of this article is to comprehensively review the mechanisms underpinning axonal regeneration and functional recovery after a SETS nerve transfer. A secondary objective is to report current clinical applications in the upper limb and their functional outcomes. The authors also propose directions for future research with the aim of maximizing the clinical utility of the SETS transfer for peripheral nerve surgeons and their patients.

Peripheral nerve injury: an update

Peripheral nerves convey signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body. Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a challenging problem with a variety of aetiologies and symptoms. Injuries can be classified into three categories: neurapraxia, axonotmesis and neurotmesis. Axonotmesis and neurotmesis result in Wallerian degeneration of the axons distal to the site of injury. After this process is complete, damaged neurons attempt to regenerate the damaged fibre with axonal budding. Successful axonal growth relies on an intact connective tissue tunnel and the requisite signalling molecules to allow the axon to re-grow in the correct direction and re-innervate the target tissue. Without this, the axons may form a painful neuroma. To differentiate between the different grades of nerve injury special tests can be utilized including neurophysiological investigation–nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). Imaging the damaged nerve with ultrasound or MRI may be useful for diagnosis and surgical planning, however investigations should not delay referral to a nerve surgeon. The aim of surgical repair in nerve injury is to re-establish continuity between the connective tissue structures of the nerve; this allows axons to elongate across the site of injury to reach the target tissue. The simplest technique is tensionless end-to-end epineural repair. In injuries where this is impossible other surgical options include nerve grafting, nerve conduits or nerve transfer.

Characteristics of Iatrogenic Nerve Injury from Orthopedic Surgery Correlate with Time to Subspecialty Presentation.

Background:There is no current literature examining iatrogenic nerve injury resulting from orthopedic procedures across subspecialties and anatomic areas. This study uses a single peripheral nerve surgeon’s experience to investigate the variable time to presentation of adult patients with iatrogenic nerve injury after orthopedic surgery.Methods:A retrospective review of patients examined in Peripheral Nerve Clinic (PNC) from January 1, 2012, to April 1, 2018, at a single, private, university hospital was performed. Fifty-eight adult patients met inclusion criteria. Charts were reviewed to determine the index orthopedic procedure, peripheral nerve affected, clinical deficits, patient demographics, and time from injury to PNC presentation.Results:The average patient age was 51.2 years, and the average time to PNC referral was 10.9 months after the procedure that resulted in nerve injury. The orthopedic procedures included fracture fixation (13), joint arthroplasty (10) knee arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction (9), mass excision (9), shoulder arthroscopy (7), irrigation and debridement (2), removal of deep hardware (2), tendon procedures (2), trigger digit release (2), nerve decompression (1), and release of exertional compartment syndrome (1). Time from injury to PNC presentation was substantially shorter for patients with upper extremity versus lower extremity deficits (5.9 months vs 19.8 months; P = 0.0173) and for patients with motor nerve involvement versus those with isolated sensory nerve injury (4.5 months vs 24.3 months; P = 0.0164).Conclusions:Iatrogenic nerve injury is a risk across orthopedic subspecialties. Nerve injuries in the lower extremity and those with isolated sensory deficits have significantly delayed time to subspecialty presentation.

Traumatic peripheral nerve lesions : Diagnosis and treatment

Traumatic peripheral nerve lesions affect patients of all age groups. They are associated with functional deficits that have severe consequences for affected patients and prolonged or permanent inability to work has socioeconomic relevance. In order to improve prognoses and achieve the best possible outcome an early diagnosis and competent knowledge of the correct approach and treatment strategies are essential. Unfortunately, nerve lesions are often not detected in time, so that surgical treatment can only be initiated after a delay. Because of the relatively high proportion of iatrogenic nerve lesions, aprofound knowledge of the optimal care of patients with peripheral nerve lesions is compulsory for every doctor who works in the operative field. Surgical treatment of peripheral nerve lesions should remain in the hands of experienced peripheral nerve surgeons. The foundation of successful treatment, however, begins earlier at the initial referral when the patient receives the correct diagnostics and treatment.

3451 Pain, Quality of Life, and Emotional Measures as Predictors for Outcomes following Surgery for Nerve Injuries

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Examine data from PNID patients to evaluation the strength of associations between pre-operative and post-operative levels of pain, quality of life, and emotional reactions to pain to determine if one or more can serve as better predictors of surgical success than pain. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In our preliminary study, we gathered data from a pre-existing database of 464 PNID patients that contains self-reported visual analog scale scores (VAS) of pain intensity, QoL, and depression. We measured these variables at three time points: pre-operatively, post-operatively, and at the final visit. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to determine if each of these three variables differed significantly between the pre-operative visit and the post-operative visit period and from the pre-operative visit to the final visit. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Median time from the pre-operative visit to surgery was 9 weeks; median time from surgery to the post-operative visit was 4 weeks; and median time from the post-operative visit to the final visit was 23.5 weeks. There was a clinically meaningful difference in pain scores between the pre-operative and post-operative visits (median difference 1.15; 95% CI 0.75-1.55). In the period between the post-operative visit and the final visit there was also a decrease in pain (0.90; 95% CI 0.55-1.30). The magnitude of change in median difference of 1.85 (95% CI 1.50-2.20) between the pre-operative visit and the final visit was larger than the change in median difference of 0.90 (95% CI 0.55-1.30) between the post-operative visit and the final visit. The pre-operative visit median QoL score was higher than the median score at the post-operative visit (1.65; 95% CI 1.25-2.10). The smallest median difference in QoL of occurred between the post-operative and the final visit (1.10; 95% CI 0.60-1.45). As seen with the pain scores, the magnitude of change in median difference of 2.50 (95% CI 2.20-2.85) for QoL was greatest between the pre-operative and the final visit. Depression scores showed the least amount of change amongst all the variables, between the pre-operative and the post-operative visit (1.00; 95% CI (0.70-1.40), and similarly between the post-operative visit and the final visit (0.15; 95% CI (0-.40). The median differences between the pre-operative and final visit were greatest in QoL (2.50; 95% CI 2.20-2.85), followed by pain scores (1.85; 95% CI 1.50-2.20), and finally, depression (1.05; 95% CI 0.70-1.40). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Our results show that all three variables measured improve with surgery and continue to improve over the post-operative course to the final visit. This suggest that the relationships between pain, QoL, and depression should be further investigated. We are hopeful that elucidating how these variables interact in the PNID patient population, will encourage peripheral nerve surgeons to use these parameters in conjunction with pain intensity to measure outcomes. A follow-up study expanding on these results and including measures of anger and frustration in a larger sample is underway.

Nerve Surgeons' Assessment of the Role of Eduard Pernkopf's Atlas of Topographic and Applied Human Anatomy in Surgical Practice.

Pernkopf's atlas of Anatomy contains anatomical plates with detailed images of the peripheral nerves. Its use is controversial due to the author's association with the "Third Reich" and the potential depiction of victims of the Holocaust. The ethical implications of using this atlas for informing surgical planning have not been assessed. To (1) assess the role of Pernkopf's atlas in nerve surgeons' current practice and (2) determine whether a proposal for its ethical handling may provide possible guidance for use in surgery and surgical education. Members of American Society for Peripheral Nerve and PASSIO Education (video-based learning platform) were surveyed and 182 responses collected. The survey introduced the historical origin of Pernkopf's atlas, and respondents were asked whether they would use the atlas under specific conditions to serve as a recommendation for its ethical handling. An anatomical plate comparison between Netter's and Pernkopf's atlases was performed to compare anatomical accuracy and surgical utility. Fifty-nine percent of respondents were aware of Pernkopf's atlas, with 13% currently using it. Aware of the historical facts, 69% were comfortable using the atlas, 15% uncomfortable, and 17% undecided. Additional information on conditions for an ethical approach to the use of the atlas led 76% of those "uncomfortable" and "undecided" to becoming "comfortable" with use. While the use of Pernkopf's atlas remains controversial, a proposal detailing conditions for an ethical approach in its use provides new guidance in surgical planning and education.