Peripheral Nerve Repair
in Houston, TX

How Peripheral Nerve Injuries Affect Hand and Arm Function

Peripheral nerves form a network that links the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. If these nerves are damaged, the signals between the brain and the muscles or skin may not work properly.

Common signs of peripheral nerve injuries are burning, tingling, numbness, decreased strength, and changes in how the affected area feels.

In the arm and hand, these injuries can happen because of deep cuts, fractures that damage nearby nerves, hard impacts, crush injuries, or long-term pressure from problems like nerve entrapment.

Sometimes, nerve injuries do not heal completely by themselves and need surgery. Our Houston hand surgeon performs nerve repair surgery to reconnect the nerve, help signals travel better, and support the return of feeling and movement.

When Peripheral Nerve Repair Surgery Is Recommended

Peripheral nerve repair surgery may be recommended when nerves in the hand, wrist, forearm, or arm have been damaged, and conservative treatment has not restored function. This type of surgery is typically considered when:

• A nerve in the hand or arm has been sharply cut or completely severed due to trauma or injury.
• There is little to no improvement in hand strength, finger movement, or arm sensation after non-surgical treatment.
• Electromyography (EMG) and clinical evaluation show severe nerve injury or lack of recovery.
• You experience constant weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain that interferes with daily hand or arm use.

Our surgeon will carefully examine your condition, which may include imaging and nerve tests, to find the best treatment for you. The goal of peripheral nerve surgery performed at our Houston clinic is to restore function, improve sensation, and reduce symptoms affecting the upper extremity as much as possible.

How Is Peripheral Nerve Repair Surgery Performed at Our Clinic in Houston, TX

Peripheral nerve repair surgery for the hand and arm focuses on restoring nerve function in the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, and upper arm.

If a nerve in the hand or arm has been sharply cut or severed, our hand surgeon carefully lines up and stitches the nerve ends together using magnification. This helps the nerve grow back along its original path. This direct repair method works when the nerve ends can be brought together without tension.

If there is a gap between the nerve ends, a nerve graft may be used. In certain situations where recovery through the original nerve is unlikely, a nerve transfer may be recommended. A graft uses healthy nerve tissue from another part of your body to bridge the gap. A nerve transfer gives a less critical nerve a new job: to replace the damaged one.

Both techniques are designed to support nerve regeneration and improve hand strength, finger movement, and sensation over time.

What Does Recovery Look Like After Peripheral Nerve Repair Surgery?

Recovery after peripheral nerve repair surgery of the hand and arm, as guided by our upper-extremity specialist in Houston, depends on the severity of the nerve injury and the specific procedure performed.

Nerves grow back slowly, usually about 1 millimeter per day, so improvements in hand sensation, finger movement, and arm strength develop gradually over time.

Physical or occupational therapy helps support recovery and monitor nerve recovery.