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Nerve Transfers
What is a Nerve Transfer?
A nerve transfer is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a healthy nerve is transferred to the site of a damaged nerve. This procedure is performed to restore normal function at the injured site. Healthy nerves that are near the site of injury and have a similar function to the injured nerve are ideally selected as donor’s nerves to improve surgical outcomes.
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Indications for Nerve Transfer
Indications for nerve transfer include:
- Proximal peripheral nerve injury
- Upper limb trauma with damage to nerves
- Brachial plexus injury
- Spinal cord root avulsion injury
- Partial nerve injury
- Failed primary nerve repair
- Segmental nerve loss
Preparation for Nerve Transfer
In preparation for a nerve transfer you should:
- Inform your doctors of any preexisting medical conditions and medications you are on as certain medications may need to be discontinued a few days before surgery.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies that you have.
- Follow any specific instructions given by your surgeon that may be applicable to your condition.
Procedure for Nerve Transfer
The nerve transfer is usually performed using microsurgery techniques.
- General anesthesia will be administered.
- A small incision will be made on the skin at the target site and at the site of injury
- Using an electrical stimulus, the function of both nerves will be monitored.
- Your doctor will mobilize and excise the donor nerve from its site and will transfer it near to the injured nerve.
- The end of the donor nerve (healthy nerve) is joined to the injured nerve from which healthy nerve fibers develop.
- Your doctor will then suture the incisions closed following the procedure.
Post-operative Care Instructions for Nerve Transfer
After the surgery, your doctor will dress the incision site with a bulky dressing to limit movement and be removed after 3 weeks. You may be provided with non-steroidal pain medications to relieve pain. Your surgeon will order physical therapy to help retrain your brain to use the transferred nerve.
Risks and Complications of Nerve Transfer
Risks and complications of nerve transfer include:
- Bleeding
- Allergy
- Infection
- Failed nerve regeneration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nerve transfer?
A nerve transfer is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a healthy nerve is moved to the site of a damaged nerve to restore normal function. Donor nerves are ideally chosen from healthy nerves near the injury that have a similar function, which helps improve surgical outcomes.
When is a nerve transfer recommended?
Nerve transfers are used for proximal peripheral nerve injuries, upper limb trauma with nerve damage, brachial plexus injuries, spinal cord root avulsion injuries, partial nerve injuries, failed primary nerve repair, and segmental nerve loss. Dr. Luo will determine whether a transfer is the best option for your injury.
How is a nerve transfer performed?
The procedure is done under general anesthesia using microsurgery techniques. Small incisions are made at the donor and injury sites, an electrical stimulus confirms nerve function, and the healthy donor nerve is transferred and joined to the injured nerve so that healthy nerve fibers can develop.
What does recovery after a nerve transfer involve?
The incision is dressed with a bulky dressing to limit movement, which is removed after about 3 weeks, and non-steroidal pain medication helps with discomfort. Physical therapy is important to help retrain your brain to use the transferred nerve.
What are the risks of a nerve transfer?
Possible risks and complications include bleeding, allergic reaction, infection, and failed nerve regeneration.
Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist