Nerve Repairs for Hand Injuries

Hand injuries often result in nerves being crushed, stretched, or severed, which can result in a loss of sensation. The eight hand surgeons at Summit Orthopedics use a microscopic surgical technique to repair nerves, as well as arteries and veins, and restore feeling.

Dr. Edward Su, one of the eight hand surgeons, says a common injury they treat is a laceration from an accident involving a sharp object such as a knife, broken glass, or lawnmower. These injuries often cause nerve damage. In some cases, he and his colleagues are called to the hospital to re-attach fingers that have been completely severed.

Using a microscope magnifies the finger, allowing the surgeons to sew the nerves together using sutures that are thinner than an eyelash. In some cases, nerve grafting may be required, which entails doctors using healthy nerves from other areas of the body, most commonly the back of the wrist.

Younger patients respond best to nerve repair, says Dr. Su.

“The average person won’t get all sensibility back,” says Dr. Su, “but most patients will have at least some sensation return and the ability to feel things again.”

Read about hand surgeons at Summit Orthopedics.