Nerve reconstruction treatment options
Nerve damage or loss of function in the upper limb can lead to debilitating problems. Ideally, damaged nerves are repaired by reconnecting cut ends or by removing a source of pressure from the nerve.
In some cases, there is a true defect in a nerve making it impossible for nerve ends to reconnect. A nerve reconstruction may be required in this instance.
A piece of expendable nerve from elsewhere in the body (nerve graft) can be used as an extension cord in the defect. An operation microscope is required to inset the graft precisely to give the highest chance of obtaining the best possible recovery of function.
Alternatively, a functioning nerve can be moved and connected to the damaged nerve to take over it's function. This allows for new nerve circuits to be formed allowing for functional recovery. This technique is called a nerve transfer.