NERVE INJURY, REPAIR, TREATMENT AND OPERATION
There are 3 main nerves that provide movement and sensation of the arm, forearm, and hand. These are median, ulnar and radial nerves. In the incision of these nerves, nerve injuries are manifested by the movement and sensation defect based on the level of the incision. Microsurgical repair of the injured nerve is required. In some cases (such as an old aged patient, smoking patient), nerve healing is not complete despite a successful operation. In this case, the nerve is reintroduced in a second operation and, if necessary, the repair is repeated with the nerve tissue taken from another part of the body. If the desired movement gain cannot be achieved with the repair of the nerve, tendon transfers are performed and the tendon of the solid and working muscles is transferred in such a way as to ensure the performance of the desired movements.
Nerve repairs should be carefully sewn by an experienced doctor with microscopes or special magnifying operation glasses, called loops. With the repair, the nerve tissues are brought end-to-end and sewn in a way that the sheath is completely closed, enclosing the nerve. The use of a plaster splint after the operation prevents separation of the nerve endings due to movement and is important for a good recovery duration. The arm which remains immobile for some time is then tried to be strengthened by physiotherapy.
In cases of nerve injury, the person may be inadequate in protecting the hand and arm due to the sensory defect. Because of the sensory defect, the person does not realize the stress in the tissue during contact with hot objects or weight lifting. Burns can occur quite often in such people after touching the stove. In this respect, nerve repair is very important and necessary for the prevention of chronic wounds that may occur in later life.
Originally posted 2018-11-19 13:56:35.