Dr. Neil L. Horsley completed the Advanced Surgery Workshop at the Institute for Peripheral Nerve Surgery. This intensive workshop was offered at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, December 12 - 14 2001. The workshop is the brainchild of Dr. A. Lee Delon, Professor of Hand, Plastic and Neurosurgery. Dr. Delon developed the research, testing instruments and surgical techniques over the last 25 plus years. The significance of the procedures learned here is the reversal of several types of peripheral nerve damage. The reversal of peripheral nerve damage is very significant because of the morbid damage that nerve pathology can cause. The effects of peripheral nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) includes, most significantly ulcerations and possible amputations. By reversing the damage caused by peripheral neuropathy, ulcerations on the bottom of the foot can heal and the risk of amputation is therefore significantly reduced, virtually eliminated.

The statistics for these surgical procedures are impressive. Approximately Eighty-five percent (85%) of the patients who have these procedures done experience reversal of their nerve damage. The reason why this is significant is because of the current methods utilized to treat the nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. The most popular medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy include, Neurontin, Amitriptyline, and Zoloft. None of these medications are actually indicated for peripheral neuropathy, their primary uses are seizure disorder, depression and panic disorders. Neurontin is the only one that is indicated for nerve pain. Amitriptyline also has an indication for chronic pain.

Related Information
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy