Pressure and entrapment neuropathies – pathophysiology and clinical syndromes

Mechanically induced peripheral nerve lesions are among the commonest neurological disorders. Pressure neuropathies (due to acute compression) differ form entrapment neuropathies (due to chronic constriction, repeated pressure or angulation) in their pathophysiological mechanisms, histological characteristics, prognosis and principles of treatment. The commonest pressure neuropathies (Saturday night palsy, peroneal nerve compression, etc.) and entrapment neuropathies (such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome) are described more in detail.