Peripheral Nerve Surgery

There are three main types of nerves in the body:

• Spinal nerves – control most of the body/trunk and connect within the spinal cord
• Cranial nerves – control parts of the head and connect directly to the brain
• Peripheral nerves – handle the outward areas of the body and are found in enclosed bundles of nerve cable

Nerve damage in the body can stem from various factors, including physical injuries, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, infections, or vascular issues affecting the nerves.

A pinched nerve occurs when external pressure is applied to a nerve, often due to swelling from an injury or during pregnancy. Such compression can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, weakness, or, in severe cases, potential paralysis.

In contrast to the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves possess a natural ability for healing and regeneration. Properly timed repair can result in complete recovery, even for severely damaged peripheral nerves.

Peripheral nerve surgery aims to restore motor and sensory nerve functions while minimizing pain and disability. This approach may be indicated in the following conditions:

• Peripheral nerve injury that has caused severe weakness or numbness and has not improved with 3 months of conservative treatment.
• Peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome which causes pain that is not relieved with conservative methods.
• Peripheral nerve tumors.

DIAGNOSIS

Common conditions treated by peripheral nerve surgeries include

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Schwannomas and neurofibromas
• Brachial plexus injuries
• Ulnar or peroneal nerve compression
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Internal and external neurolysis for the management of scars
• Surgical revision of painful neuromas
• Surgical exploration of complex or scarred nerve injuries
• Nerve grafting for repair