Peripheral neuropathy is a generalized term that describes a pathological condition that involves the nerves in the upper and lower extremities.  Usually, the lower extremities are affected first or more so than the upper extremity, and both the left and right sides are affected equally, although symptoms at presentation vary.

There are over 100 different causes of peripheral neuropathy, with the most common causes being related to diabetes, alcoholism, chemotherapy-induced, thyroid-induced and lead poisoning.

The vast majority of patients that are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy are treated on a conservative basis with medications and splints that will help slow down its progression and to help the patient tolerate their pain, but these options are very limited in treating its subsequent pain or in restoring loss of sensation.

As peripheral neuropathy is a very generalized term regarding pathology to peripheral nerves, there are many different types of peripheral neuropathy. A significant type of peripheral neuropathy is from a focal compression of a peripheral nerve or several peripheral nerves, such a tarsal tunnel syndrome (similar to carpal tunnel syndrome except in the foot/ankle. This type of focal compressive neuropathy can be treated with surgery!  This surgical alternative will not cure the underlying cause of the peripheral neuropathy.  Surgical nerve decompression often helps to stop or reverse the progression and debilitating symptoms and help to restore loss of sensation, plus promoting nerve regeneration.

Dr. Bastawros has received advanced training in Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery through the Institute of Peripheral Nerve Surgery which has focused on this surgical nerve decompression technique.  This nerve decompression surgery is not new; surgeons perform nerve decompressions on a daily basis.  Surgeons decompress nerves in the back and neck to help relieve spinal cord and nerve impingements from bulging discs and spinal stenosis.  Surgeons routinely perform carpal tunnel release surgeries to help treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Dr. Bastawros is uniquely doing is performing a combination of surgical nerve decompressions that have been called the “Dellon procedure”, named after A. Lee Dellon MD, a plastic surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland through the Johns Hopkins University who developed the procedure.  Through a combination of surgical nerve decompressions in the medial ankle, top of the foot, and just below the knee joint at areas of anatomical narrowing, these diseased nerves are opened and released, being able to function more optimally, thus relieving debilitating pain and restoring loss of sensation.

Further information can be obtained at www.aens.us.

Dr. Bastawros is always available for further consultation with additional neurosensory testing needed to help establish which nerves are involved and to what severity.