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.
FAQs
How do I know if I am a candidate for a nerve graft?
Dr. Janes evaluates several factors before recommending a nerve graft. She assesses how much time has passed since your injury, whether your muscles still respond to stimulation, the length of the nerve gap, and your overall health. Imaging and nerve studies may help determine whether the injured nerve can support regeneration. Early evaluation improves the number of reconstructive options available to you.
What happens to the area where the donor nerve is taken?
When surgeons use your own nerve for grafting, they select a sensory nerve that serves a limited function. You may notice a small patch of numbness near the donor site, often along the outer foot or lower leg. Most patients adapt well and do not experience meaningful functional loss. Dr. Janes carefully balances the benefits of nerve repair with preservation of overall sensation.
What are the risks of nerve graft surgery?
As with any microsurgical procedure, risks include infection, scarring, stiffness, and incomplete return of function. In some cases, nerve regrowth may not fully restore strength or sensation. Scar tissue can also limit nerve glide. Careful surgical technique and structured rehabilitation reduce these risks and improve outcomes.
Can muscles become permanently weak if surgery is delayed?
Yes. Muscles depend on nerve input to stay healthy. When a nerve injury goes untreated for too long, the connected muscles may shrink and lose their ability to respond, even if the nerve is later repaired. Timely surgical intervention protects muscle viability and improves long-term functional recovery.
What if a nerve graft does not restore enough function?
If recovery falls short of expectations, additional reconstructive options may remain available. These may include tendon transfer procedures or other functional restoration strategies. Dr. Janes develops a long-term plan that adapts to your progress and maximizes independence.
When can I return to work or sports?
Return to activity depends on the location of your injury and the demands of your job or sport. Many patients resume light activities within weeks, while strength recovery may continue for many months. Hand therapy plays a central role in safely restoring coordination, grip strength, and endurance.
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.