Nerve decompression is a minimally invasive peripheral nerve surgery applied to relieve pressure of a nerve.
Patients experiencing any combination of numbness, burning sensation, pain or muscle weakness (along the anatomical distribution of peripheral nerves with known upper or lower extremity compression sites) have peripheral neuropathy.
A primary care physician or a specialist should conduct a work-up that will help determine its cause and exclude other non-peripheral nerve related conditions. Patients with previous brain or spine surgery are poor candidates for peripheral nerve surgery.
In addition to surgery or trauma, other common reasons for neuropathy include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain autoimmune conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and certain drugs (chemotherapy, lipid lowering medications and some anti-viral drugs). It is very important that medical treatment for these conditions is undertaken, as your doctor prescribed it.
I find that the patients who, despite optimal medical treatment for their condition, are continuing to experience the above mentioned signs/symptoms of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy are appropriate surgical candidates. Upon referral, I would determine if any additional work-up is needed and would verify if, when and what type of the intervention is required.
Interactive schematic drawings of the most common examples are (see text below drawing for definitions and more information prior to clicking on schematic drawing link with your interest)