Nerves are fragile and can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting. Injury to a nerve can stop the transmission of signals to and from the brain, preventing muscles from working and causing loss of feeling in the area supplied by that nerve.
The goal in fixing the nerve is to repair the outer cover so that nerve fibers can grow down the empty tubes to the muscles and sensory receptors and work again. This requires microsurgery. Nerves can recover after a good repair and grow at an average rate of about 1mm per day. Restoration of upper extremity joint function following disabling injuries include Brachial Plexus injuries.
To fix a cut nerve, the insulation around both ends of the nerve is sewn together. A nerve in a finger is only as thick as a piece of thin spaghetti, so the stitches have to be very tiny. The repair may need to be protected with a splint for the first 3 weeks to prevent it from stretching apart.
Not sure if you’re experience a nerve injury? Speak to our hand care team to find out if this is the medical condition you have at +65 6733 9093. Or book an appointment with our hand specialists for a diagnosis and treatment options.
