title: A modified approach to sural nerve biopsy: minimizing complications.
abstract: The traditional sural nerve biopsy is performed through a distal incision at or just above the ankle. Although a simple procedure, these biopsies are associated with significant morbidity. The authors review the anatomy of the sural nerve, biopsy techniques described in the literature, and potential complications. A modified approach, based on a more proximal incision, and its outcomes are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA. ducici@gunet.georgetown.edu
authors.forename: Ivica
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ducic
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: West
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*