Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency

<b>Background:</b> Peripheral nerve surgeries require extensive practice to address anatomical variability and effectively manage neuropathy symptoms. While these procedures are increasingly performed by other surgical specialists, neurosurgeons bring unparalleled expertise in the centra...

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Main Authors: Marcos Daniel Arciniega, Prudhvi Gundupalli, Alexandra Munson, Laszlo Nagy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Anatomia
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0545/4/1/1
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author Marcos Daniel Arciniega
Prudhvi Gundupalli
Alexandra Munson
Laszlo Nagy
author_facet Marcos Daniel Arciniega
Prudhvi Gundupalli
Alexandra Munson
Laszlo Nagy
author_sort Marcos Daniel Arciniega
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> Peripheral nerve surgeries require extensive practice to address anatomical variability and effectively manage neuropathy symptoms. While these procedures are increasingly performed by other surgical specialists, neurosurgeons bring unparalleled expertise in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Microscopic surgical techniques are essential for minimally invasive procedures, and cadaver-based education provides an invaluable medium for trainees to practice these techniques. However, few papers address these concepts in tandem. This study explores lesser-known peripheral nerve entrapments, highlights minimally invasive microscopic approaches, and advocates for cadaver-based training. <b>Methods:</b> Willed cadavers were embalmed through approved methods by the state anatomical board. For each decompression procedure, a 1–2 cm keyhole incision was made. Further methods are described in each nerve entrapment surgery below. Exploratory sessions with wider incisions were conducted either before or after the minimally invasive procedure to review anatomy or assess procedural success, respectively. <b>Results:</b> Neurosurgical medical education using cadavers allows trainees to practice techniques and enhance their skillset. Cadavers provide a valuable medium for exploring the relevant anatomy and visualizing the correct procedural steps after minimally invasive surgeries. Using microscopes for the procedures further facilitates detailed anatomical observation and technique refinement. <b>Conclusions:</b> Here, we show that cadaver-based medical education offers a realistic and controlled environment for exploring anatomical variability and refining surgical techniques. This method allows for a visual, mental, and tactile understanding, while performing minimally invasive procedures with a microscope on cadavers further enhances trainees’ proficiency, precision, and confidence, equipping them with the skills needed for improved surgical outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-5e53bf26ef2d403ba2dc77aaf3e5621e2025-08-20T02:11:12ZengMDPI AGAnatomia2813-05452025-01-0141110.3390/anatomia4010001Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical ProficiencyMarcos Daniel Arciniega0Prudhvi Gundupalli1Alexandra Munson2Laszlo Nagy3Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USATexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USATexas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USADepartment of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA<b>Background:</b> Peripheral nerve surgeries require extensive practice to address anatomical variability and effectively manage neuropathy symptoms. While these procedures are increasingly performed by other surgical specialists, neurosurgeons bring unparalleled expertise in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Microscopic surgical techniques are essential for minimally invasive procedures, and cadaver-based education provides an invaluable medium for trainees to practice these techniques. However, few papers address these concepts in tandem. This study explores lesser-known peripheral nerve entrapments, highlights minimally invasive microscopic approaches, and advocates for cadaver-based training. <b>Methods:</b> Willed cadavers were embalmed through approved methods by the state anatomical board. For each decompression procedure, a 1–2 cm keyhole incision was made. Further methods are described in each nerve entrapment surgery below. Exploratory sessions with wider incisions were conducted either before or after the minimally invasive procedure to review anatomy or assess procedural success, respectively. <b>Results:</b> Neurosurgical medical education using cadavers allows trainees to practice techniques and enhance their skillset. Cadavers provide a valuable medium for exploring the relevant anatomy and visualizing the correct procedural steps after minimally invasive surgeries. Using microscopes for the procedures further facilitates detailed anatomical observation and technique refinement. <b>Conclusions:</b> Here, we show that cadaver-based medical education offers a realistic and controlled environment for exploring anatomical variability and refining surgical techniques. This method allows for a visual, mental, and tactile understanding, while performing minimally invasive procedures with a microscope on cadavers further enhances trainees’ proficiency, precision, and confidence, equipping them with the skills needed for improved surgical outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0545/4/1/1cadaverperipheral nervecontinuing medical educationgraduate medical educationneuropathyanatomical models
spellingShingle Marcos Daniel Arciniega
Prudhvi Gundupalli
Alexandra Munson
Laszlo Nagy
Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
Anatomia
cadaver
peripheral nerve
continuing medical education
graduate medical education
neuropathy
anatomical models
title Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
title_full Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
title_fullStr Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
title_full_unstemmed Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
title_short Cadaveric Training for Peripheral Neuropathy: Bridging Anatomy, Precision, and Surgical Proficiency
title_sort cadaveric training for peripheral neuropathy bridging anatomy precision and surgical proficiency
topic cadaver
peripheral nerve
continuing medical education
graduate medical education
neuropathy
anatomical models
url https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0545/4/1/1
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AT alexandramunson cadaverictrainingforperipheralneuropathybridginganatomyprecisionandsurgicalproficiency
AT laszlonagy cadaverictrainingforperipheralneuropathybridginganatomyprecisionandsurgicalproficiency