A nerve injury in your arm or hand can affect how well you move, feel, and use your limb. Some nerve injuries heal on their own, but when part of the nerve is missing or severely damaged, you may need surgery to repair the gap. In these cases, a nerve graft may give you the best chance at recovery.
Dr. Lindsay E. Janes is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Chicago, specializing in hand surgery and peripheral nerve repair. She treats a wide range of nerve injuries, utilizing advanced techniques to help restore movement and sensation in the arm and hand. Her training in microsurgery allows her to handle both simple and complex repairs with precision.
What Is a Nerve Graft?
A nerve graft is a surgery to repair a damaged nerve by placing a new piece of nerve tissue between the two ends. The graft acts like a bridge, providing nerve fibers with a pathway to grow through so they can reach the muscles or skin and resume functioning.
The new piece of nerve often comes from your own body, usually from a small nerve in your leg that isn’t needed for important sensations. Sometimes, a donor nerve or a soft tube is used to connect the ends instead. Dr. Janes will help you determine which type of graft is best suited for your
Nerve Graft vs. Nerve Transfer
Nerve grafts and nerve transfers are both surgical methods used to repair serious nerve damage. However, they have different goals, and the choice between them depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the injury, the amount of time that has passed, and the condition of the muscles and nerves.
Nerve grafts may be the best option when the nerve ends are healthy and there is a fairly short gap between them. It’s best for more recent injuries, in which the connected muscle is still functional and there’s no damage to the spinal root of the nerve.
Nerve transfers: In a nerve transfer, Dr. Janes moves a nearby healthy nerve and connects it to the damaged area to restore movement or sensation. Nerve transfer may be the best option when the nerve has suffered severe damage, if the gap between nerve ends is too large for a graft, or if the injury is too far from the target muscle for regrowth with a graft to occur within a reasonable timeframe, thereby putting muscle function at risk.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Nerve graft surgery is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Janes typically uses special tools and a microscope to place the graft and connect it with tiny stitches. Once the nerve ends are joined, your body can begin the healing process.
Nerves grow slowly, at the rate of about one millimeter per day. So, patience is key, and it can take months to see results. Dr. Janes recommends a personalized physical therapy plan to help you regain strength and movement, along with regular follow-ups to check your progress.
Expert Nerve Repair in Chicago
Dr. Lindsay E. Janes is dedicated to helping you heal and return to your daily activities with less pain and better function. Her background in upper extremity and nerve reconstruction means you receive expert care in every step of your recovery.
If you’re dealing with a nerve injury and want to learn more about your options, contact our office in Chicago, IL, at (312) 695-6022 to schedule a personal consultation.