Nerve Graft

Successful nerve graft procedures help patients regain function and feeling after experiencing nerve damage due to an injury or illness. 

• Regenerate Nerves
• Restore sensory feeling and motor function 
• Improve your ability to use and control your injured hand or arm
• Reduce numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle weakness 
• Avoid permanent disability
• Return to normal activities

Are you a candidate?

If you sustained an injury that disconnected a nerve or experienced severe nerve damage due to illness, you may be a good candidate for nerve grafting. However, patients who smoke, use alcohol excessively, take certain medications, or have certain chronic diseases may not be able to safely undergo this type of surgery. Our nerve specialists will perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether this treatment option is right for you.

Before

Depending on the extent of nerve damage, a nerve graft procedure may take several hours. You will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you remain asleep and comfortable for the entirety of the surgery.

During

Depending on the extent of nerve damage, a nerve graft procedure may take several hours. You will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you remain asleep and comfortable for the entirety of the surgery.

If your surgeon performs a nerve autograft, they’ll begin by making a small incision at the site of the donor nerve (usually the sural nerve in the leg) and removing a small amount of nerve tissue. If the surgeon sources a nerve through an allograft, they will process the tissue before implanting it into your body.

Next, the surgeon will make a second incision at the area of the disconnected nerve and carefully connect the severed ends using the grafted nerve. Then, they will make any other necessary repairs, close all incisions, and dress them to help protect your incisions as they heal.

After

Depending on your medical history, health, and the extent of the nerve damage you sustained, you may be able to go home a few hours after nerve graft surgery. However, some patients may be required to stay overnight for post-op monitoring. Your care team will provide after-care instructions, including how to clean and re-dress your incision. In most cases, your surgeon will recommend keeping them covered for a period of time to help reduce the risk of infection.

Recovery

It will take multiple months for the reconstructed nerve to recover. Keep in mind that the further the damaged area is from your spinal cord, the longer it may take to heal. Once sensation returns, your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and help restore proper movement.