On the Etiopathogenesis, Definition and Treatment of Nerve Compression Syndromes—An Introduction

Typical nerve compression syndromes can be defined as chronic pressure lesions of peripheral nerves, usually in fibro-osseous canals. There is a mismatch between the volume of the nerve and the anatomical structure that the nerve passes through. This can occur within fibrous or osteofibrous canals, when passing through a muscle, under a constricting band or fascial edge, and very rarely also under a blood vessel. These tunnel syndromes are to be distinguished from acute nerve damage caused by external pressure or force, with superficial nerve course near bony protrusions or stretch damage near joints. Mixed forms occur.