Hand Nerve Injuries and Their Treatment
Nerves are crucial for transmitting messages from the brain to the body, much like telephone cables carry signals. Nerve injuries, whether caused by pressure, stretching, or cutting, can disrupt these vital messages, leading to loss of function or feeling in the affected area.
Causes of Nerve Injury
- Pressure Injuries: Pressure can break nerve fibers without damaging the insulating cover, halting the transmission of signals.
- Cut Nerves: When a nerve is cut, both the nerve fibers and their insulation are damaged, often resulting in a loss of feeling and muscle function.
When a nerve fiber breaks, the section farthest from the brain dies, but the insulating cover remains intact, allowing the nerve to potentially regenerate. However, if both the nerve and its insulation are severed, nerve fibers may form a painful growth called a neuroma, which can cause electrical sensations when touched.
Treatment for Nerve Injury
Surgical Repair:
- If a nerve is cut, the doctor may sew together the ends of the nerve, using very fine stitches. The goal is to align the nerve’s insulation so that the nerve fibers can grow into the empty tube, restoring function.
- In some cases, if there is a gap in the nerve, a nerve graft may be required, taken from another part of the body.
- For smaller gaps, conduits made from veins or cylinders may be used to bridge the space.
Recovery Timeline:
- Nerve fibers can begin to grow across the repair site after 3–4 weeks, and they grow up to 1 inch per month, depending on factors such as age. Complete recovery could take several months to over a year.
- Sensory Nerve Recovery: Sensory nerves may need re-education therapy once they begin to heal to improve function and feeling.
Post-Treatment Care
- Physical Therapy: To maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness, which could limit the function even after the muscles have recovered.
- Care for Sensory Nerve Injuries: Special attention is needed for injuries to sensory nerves, as the lack of feeling increases the risk of burns or cuts.
- Recovery Variation: Age, injury type, and location all influence the healing process, with some nerve injuries potentially causing long-lasting effects.
In summary, while nerve injuries in the hand can be serious, with proper surgical intervention and rehabilitation, recovery is possible, leading to the restoration of hand function and sensation.