Peripheral Nerves
The peripheral nerves are the nerve fibers that compose the area from head to toe; they connect the brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. Nerves transmit electrical impulses and signals to and from the brain. Peripheral nervous system disorders interrupt the transmission of signals and weaken the sensory and motor nerve functions.
Injury of the Hand Peripheral Nerve
Unlike the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves have an inherent capacity for healing and regeneration. A hand peripheral nerve injury can recover well if the repair is performed at the right time.
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Nerve Injuries?
The common symptoms of a hand peripheral nerve injury include pain, numbness, muscle weakness, burning sensation and tingling sensation in the hands.
What are the Causes of Peripheral Nerve Injuries?
Peripheral disorders may result from injury, infections, alcoholism, trauma, diabetes, tumors, and kidney disorders.
What are the Treatment Options of Peripheral Nerve Injuries?
These conditions may be treated with conservative methods or with neurosurgeries. Hand peripheral nerve surgery aims at restoring the motor and sensory nerve functions of your arm.
Indications for Peripheral Nerve Repair
The surgeries are indicated for
- Peripheral nerve lacerations
- Peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome or tumor
- Peripheral nerve injuries that have caused severe weakness or numbness
- Injuries that have not improved with conservative treatment
Peripheral Nerve Repair Procedure
The various hand peripheral nerve surgery techniques include:
Nerve Repair
Nerve lacerations can occur when a nerve is cut by a sharp object such as metal or glass, or in cases of stabbing. Surgical repair involves suturing the cut ends of the lacerated nerve.
Nerve Graft Repair
Nerve graft repair involves excision of the damaged portion of the neve and implanting a healthy nerve graft in its place. Nerve grafts can be selected from a sensory nerve of another part of the body, or from a cadaver.
Nerve Decompression Surgery
Nerve decompression surgery is used to treat peripheral nerve entrapment conditions. The procedure involves removal of the structures that compress the nerves; for example, carpal tunnel syndrome. This surgery provides immediate relief from the symptoms, but the complete recovery may require several weeks to months.
Nerve Transfers
Nerve transfer is a procedure performed to regain function of a body part when complete loss of function or sensation has occurred. During surgery, a normal nerve is harvested from the muscle and inserted into the muscle where the nerve is damaged to restore the function of the muscle.