• Start date:
  • 30 October 2025
  • Duration:
  • 2 days
  • Intended Audience:
  • Resident physician, Medical specialist

During this two-days hands-on dissection course you will learn how to expose all the major nerves of the upper limb. The relation of the median nerve to the carpal tunnel syndrome, and the ulnar nerve to the cubital tunnel syndrome and Guyon’s canal will be studied. You will gain experience in neurolysis and transposition. Furthermore, the approach of both the supraclavicular as well as the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus will be practised and all elements will be identified. Specific nerve transfers can be practised on request. Additionally attention will be paid to the course of the main vessels.

The course consists of four half-day sessions. Each session starts with a brief theoretical introduction. The practical part of the training will start with a short cadaver surgical demonstration. Subsequently, participants will dissect themselves under the supervision of an experienced staff.
Prior to the course all participants will receive the course manual.

 

Learning objectives
After following this course you are able to carry out operations to the arm where the treatment of nerve pathology is central or where iatrogenic nerve injuries must be avoided, with confidence.

 

Language
In case of participants from outside the Netherlands the course language will be in English.

 

Accreditation
Accreditation will be requested at the various professional associations.

 

Target group
This course is meant for neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, trauma surgeons, plastic surgeons, general surgeons and for those who are in training for one of these specialties.
For Neurosurgery trainees in the Netherlands the course is a compulsory part of the curriculum.

The course takes place under the auspices of the Dutch Society for Neurosurgery.

 

Course committee
Dr. W. Pondaag, nervesurgeon of the department of neurosurgery of LUMC (chair)
Prof.dr. M.J.A. Malessy, nervesurgeon of the department of neurosurgery of LUMC

  CONCEPT Day 1
09:00 Registration and coffee
09:15 Introduction
  Dr. Willem Pondaag
09:30 Incision and surgical anatomy of median and ulnary nerve in distal lower arm
  ....
10:00 Carpal tunnel syndrome: dissection of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and of the ulnary nerve in Guyon’s canal
10:45 Coffee and tea
11:00 Continuation: Carpal tunnel syndrome
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Incision and surgical anatomy of cubital tunnel entrapment and transposition
  Dr. Justus Groen
14:00 Volar transposition of ulnary nerve in cubital fossa trajectory
15:30 Incision and surgical anatomy of radial nerve
  Drs. Jochem Nagels
16:00 Coffee and tea
16:15 Radial neurolysis at intermuscular lateral septum and supinator muscle
17:30 End of program
Drinks
 CONCEPT Day 2
08:30Coffee and tea
09:00Incision and surgical anatomy of supraclavicular brachial plexus
 Dr. Justus Groen
09:30Exploration of supraclavicular brachial plexus including spinal nerve C4 and phrenic nerve
10:45Coffee and tea
11:00Incision and surgical anatomy of infraclavicular brachial plexus
 Dr. Willem Pondaag
11:15Exploration of infraclavicular brachial plexus including subclavian artery and vein via transpectoral approach and additional exploration of axillary fossa
12:30Lunch
13:30Overview brachial plexus: exploration of continuity of infraclavicular en supraclavicular brachial plexus with overview of major vessels
14:30Incision and surgical anatomy of accessory nerve
 Prof. dr. Martijn Malessy
14:45Coffee and tea
15:15Exploration accessory nerve
17:00Discussion clinical aspects, pitfalls, complications
 Dr. Willem Pondaag
17:30Drinks
Dr. J.L. Groen
Neurochirurg, LUMC
Prof. dr. M.J.A. Malessy
Neurochirurg, LUMC
Drs. J. Nagels
Prof. Dr. R.G.H.H. Nelissen
Dr. R.G.E. Notenboom
Anatomie, LUMC
Dr. W. Pondaag
Neurochirurg, LUMC
LUMC
Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden

 

Price
Course fee        € 1.500
 

Please note that upon registration, you agree to our Terms and Conditions, including the stated cancellation policy. Administration fees may be charged upon cancellation.