Our country is considered to have the highest accident statistics in the world, with most of the accidents being vehicle-related, especially motorcycle accidents, which lack body protection. There are also accidents that occur in industrial factories, such as workers getting their hands caught in machinery, resulting in amputations of hands or fingers. Accidents in construction sites are also common, along with general accidents. As a result of these accidents, the injuries are severe many times, leading to torn or damaged limbs, particularly the hands and arms. Frequently, motorcycle accidents cause damages to the brachial plexus, the nerve network that controls the arm, leading to disability and arm paralysis. Therefore, surgery to repair the nerves in the hands and arms is crucial for these injured individuals.
Nerves are an essential component of the human body, responsible for controlling muscle strength and transmitting various sensations. If any part of a nerve is damaged or severed, we will be unable to use that part of the body normally.
Surgery to repair the nerves in the hands and arms is a procedure that involves working with very small tissues using a high-powered microscope for better visibility during the surgery. This is called microsurgery, which is performed to treat nerve injuries (Nerve Repair). It can be used in surgeries to reconnect nerves in the arm, hand, or fingers, aiming to restore nerve function and address disabilities caused by nerve damage in these areas. This type of surgery requires a highly skilled surgeon because it is delicate and complex, with many different techniques and steps involved. The main procedure is to reconnect the ends of the damaged nerve so that nerve fibers can grow correctly to the target area. This is done by suturing with synthetic fibers or using fibrin glue to secure the nerve sheath. There are several subtypes of this surgery, such as using sensory nerves from the skin to bridge the gap between the damaged nerve ends (Nerve Graft) or using the root of a healthy nerve to connect to the damaged nerve to promote nerve growth to muscles or skin (Nerve Transfer), among others.
Preparation Before and After Surgery
Most surgeries for nerve repair are major surgeries performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, the patient must undergo a physical examination beforehand. It is important to refrain from eating and drinking 6-8 hours before the surgery and avoid taking certain medications related to pre-existing conditions.
After the surgery, special care must be taken to keep the wound dry. The wound itself will require about two weeks to heal and should be kept in a sling or similar device for one week. Physical therapy is also needed for over a year. If there is nerve transfer or more delicate nerve work, such as for hand function, recovery might take 3.5 to 4 years, which is quite a long time. If the nerve is completely severed (100% damage), it is unlikely that full recovery to pre-injury function will be achieved. However, some movement may return, such as lifting the elbow, extending the shoulder, or moving fingers. The patient may eventually be able to bring their hand to their face to wash their face, helping them with daily tasks.
