by Carlstedt Thomas

This unique volume presents the first successful surgical strategy to repair the spinal root and the associated spinal cord injury that follows from severe traction injuries to the brachial and lumbosacral nerve plexus. The basic science background to this novel surgical technique is described, and the contemporary palliative procedures as well as clinical and ancillary assessments are given together with a meticulous description of the functional outcome of the surgery.Covering the research that led to the author's pioneering application of this surgical technique to the clinical human situation, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the author's work as a leading basic scientist and nerve surgeon. It is a journey from ideas born in the laboratory to successful application to a difficult human problem involving loss of function and severe pain from a certain type of spinal cord injury.The first step leading to the treatment of a severe and devastating spinal cord injury has been taken and is described in this book.