Hand surgery
NERVE REPLACEMENT SURGERY OF THE HAND AND RECONSTRUCTION FOR NERVE DAMAGE
The reconstruction of nerves in the hand is a challenging area of hand surgery. This is because command chains in the hand also control the execution of movements through our nerve pathways. If the nerves are damaged, such a stimulus no longer arrives. This is where nerve replacement surgery in the hand can restore connections.
Modern microsurgery can be used to surgically treat nerve damage caused by accidents, tumours or complications from operations. The aim is always to preserve the motor function and sensitivity of the hands.
At the ETHIANUM, every nerve replacement operation in the hand is planned and performed individually for clients, complaints and injury patterns.
Prof. Dr Germann, the experienced hand surgery specialist, will clarify with you in a detailed consultation which surgical options are available for your specific case. Find out about possible treatment methods in advance.
CONTACT US
Would you like to find out more about hand nerve reconstruction, possible risks and results? Then talk to the hand surgery expert in charge at the ETHIANUM Clinic in Heidelberg. Prof Dr Germann will advise you in detail on the options for nerve replacement surgery. Make your appointment for hand surgery right here using our contact form with just a few clicks or give us a call.
Nerve replacement surgery on the hand
These treatment options for nerve replacement surgery on the hand are used at the ETHIANUM. Please note that this is general information. Your doctor will work with you to find an individual and suitable surgical method depending on the diagnosis.
End-to-end suture for severed nerves
If nerve damage to the hand is recent, severed nerves can be sutured back together. This procedure is called end-to-end suturing. If the nerve grows back into the peripheral nervous system from the severed site, this reconstruction of the nerves in the hand is successful. Sensitivity recovers, even if it is usually reduced. Whether motor functions can be restored depends, among other things, on which nerve is severed at which point.
Nerve replacement surgery for more complex nerve damage
If a nerve is missing over a long distance, a piece is taken from another part of the body such as the lower leg (e.g. sural nerve) and placed in the damaged area. This microsurgical procedure takes around 2 hours. It is followed by three to six months of physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Reconstruction of nerve damage using the example of radial nerve palsy
Radial nerve palsy (radial paresis) is a paralysis of the wrist and finger extensors. Flexor muscles are more tense than extensor muscles. The wrist and fingers therefore remain bent accordingly. This typical hand position is also known as the drop hand or kissing hand. Part of the muscle and tendon group on the flexor side of the forearm can be shifted to the extensor side of the forearm. In the case of radial nerve paralysis, an extension function can be restored without significant loss of flexion. Three to six months of physiotherapy and occupational therapy are recommended after the operation.
Alternatively, only the nerves that control the muscles on the flexor side can be transplanted. As a result, the muscles on the extensor side resume their work. Here too, three to six months of physiotherapy and occupational therapy are recommended after the hand operation
