[Remote results of the surgical decompression of the posterior tibial nerve in the neuropathies of Hansen's disease].

Results are reported of surgery to the posterior tibial nerve affected by leprosy in 50 patients. A total of 90 neurolyses were performed using a similar technique. Study of the effect of surgery on the course of plantar sensitivity showed that 3 groups of nerves can be distinguished. Nerves in group 1 (21 totally paralyzed nerves) responded poorly to surgery (38% useful results) while on the contrary nerves in group 3 (non-paralyzed nerves) represented the ideal indication, surgery being truly prophylactic. In group 2 nerves a useful result was obtained in 82%. Indications for use of this surgical procedure are discussed, and more particularly the parameters affecting the quality of the results: severity of lesion, immunologic type of disease.