Issue 9/2024
Todorov, P.
The term compression or entrapment neuropathy refers to damage to a peripheral nerve as a result of its prolonged compression. This pathology is part of the so-called soft tissue rheumatism – a set of non-systemic, local, pathological syndromes involving the periarticular soft tissues. Compression neuropathies are the cause of a significant number of cases in both rheumatological and neurological practice, as well as general practices, causing considerable suffering and absence from work. This pathology usually occurs at certain and predictable anatomical locations, where peripheral nerves pass through inelastic osteofibrous canals. The most common compression neuropathy, responsible for more than 90% of all cases, is compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Pathomorphologically, compression neuropathies show an increase in the amount of perineural and endoneural connective tissue, with oedema of the epineurium and a decrease in the calibre of the nerve fibres, with a total increase in the diameter of the peripheral nerve. There is also venous congestion and stasis leading to anoxia and dysfunction of the pinched nerve. In the present text the most common entrapment neuropathies will be presented and described in detail. Current treatment strategies for this pathology will be discussed at the end.
Аddress for correspondence:
Dr. Plamen Todorov
Medical University of Plovdiv,
Clinic of Rheumatology, UMBAL Kaspela
4001, Plovdiv
64, “Sofia”, Str.