Diabetic neuropathy occurs in a stocking and glove distribution consistent with a systemic metabolic disease. Historically, this concept led to the conclusion that the only role for surgery in a patient with diabetic neuropathy is for treatment of wounds, amputation, or reconstruction of a Charcot foot. This article reviews the basic scientific and clinical research that support the concepts that metabolic neuropathy renders the peripheral nerve susceptible to compression in patients with diabetes and that decompression of lower extremity peripheral nerves in these patients can relieve pain, restore sensation, and prevent ulceration and amputation.
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