Hand Nerve Repair Surgery Performed in Louisville, KY

Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic’s growing team is made up of more than a dozen esteemed orthopedic physicians, including fellowship-trained hand specialist Nicholas Foeger, MD, PhD. Utilizing the latest advancements in surgical care, Dr. Foeger excels in performing complex hand nerve repair procedures for patients in Louisville, Kentucky. Let’s take closer look at this surgery and what the recovery process entails.

What Does Hand Nerve Repair Surgery Involve?

The human hand features an intricate network of nerves that run from the palm to the ends of the fingers and thumb. Hand nerve repair—also referred to as digital nerve repair—is a microsurgical procedure that may be recommended if nerve fibers in the palm, fingers, or thumb are partially or fully severed. This type of nerve damage may result from a cut, crush injury, or sudden, intense stretching.

During hand nerve repair surgery, a specially trained hand surgeon may carefully stitch severed digital nerves back together using a microscope and fine thread. Other surgical approaches include a nerve transfer, which involves bypassing a damaged structure with a healthy nerve, and a nerve graft, which replaces a damaged section of nerve with a nerve from another part of the body.

What is the Recovery Time for Hand Nerve Repair?

A patient’s recovery experience will depend on the extent of the injury and nerve damage, as well as his or her overall age and health. Generally speaking, nerve fibers begin to grow about three to four weeks following the procedure. Recovery is typically slow and gradual, with most patients regaining near-normal or reasonable hand function within a year.

To learn more about hand nerve repair at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic and what treatment options may be available to you, contact our practice today. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have.