Nerve Repair

IF YOU NEED A NERVE REPAIR, PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

What is a Nerve Repair?

Nerve repair aims to restore function to damaged or severed nerves through a surgical procedure by repairing or replacing them with healthy nerve tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully reconnects the ends of the damaged nerve to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals and restore sensation and movement. Restoring nerve function serves as a crucial component for the patient’s overall well-being. Crucial in cases of nerve injuries resulting from trauma, compression, or other conditions, this intervention plays a big role.

Nerve repair surgery plays a vital role in helping individuals regain sensation, mobility, and functionality in affected areas. Success rates may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the specific surgical techniques employed, and individual patient characteristics.

Rehabilitation

In rehabilitation, patients undergo a structured program aimed at maximizing recovery and restoring function following the nerve repair surgery. This approach typically includes a combination of physical therapy exercises, occupational therapy techniques, and other specialized interventions tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. Physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area, while occupational therapy helps patients regain skills needed for daily activities and tasks.

Additionally, sensory re-education exercises may be incorporated to improve sensation and proprioception in the affected nerves. Throughout the rehabilitation process, close monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures progress and adjustments to the treatment plan as needed, ultimately promoting optimal recovery and functional outcomes for patients undergoing nerve repair surgery.

Nerve Repair Techniques

In nerve repair, several approaches exist, each with its own set of benefits and risks. Primary nerve repair involves the direct suturing of the damaged nerve ends together, which can lead to quicker recovery and better functional outcomes compared to other methods. Alternatively, nerve autografts involve harvesting a nerve from elsewhere in the body to bridge the gap between the damaged nerve ends. While autografts offer a reliable solution, they come with drawbacks such as donor site morbidity and limited availability.

Nerve grafts, whether autografts or allografts, involve transplanting nerve tissue to facilitate regeneration. Nerve conduits, synthetic or biological tubes, provide a scaffold for nerve regeneration but may not be as effective in bridging larger nerve gaps. Additionally, nerve transfers, a specialized technique, involve rerouting a healthy nerve to innervate a damaged muscle, often used for “supercharging” nerve recovery in cases of severe injury. Each technique presents unique advantages and considerations, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches in nerve repair.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO AN ORTHOPEDIC HAND AND WRIST SPECIALIST IN DALLAS, FORT WORTH, OR THE LONE STAR STATE, GIVE US A CALL AT 817-697-4038, OR CONTACT US OVER THE WEB. TELE-MEDICINE APPOINTMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.