Symptoms and evaluation
Numbness, neuropathic pain, muscle weakness or loss of function after injury may require specialized nerve evaluation. The pattern of sensory loss and weakness can help localize whether a problem involves the median, ulnar, radial or another peripheral nerve.
Treatment options
Depending on the injury, treatment can include decompression, direct nerve repair, nerve grafting, nerve transfer or tendon-transfer strategies. Timing matters in many nerve injuries, so the treatment plan considers the location and age of the injury, remaining muscle function and the distance required for nerve recovery.
Recovery and return to activity
Peripheral nerves recover slowly, and the timeline depends on the injury, reconstruction and distance to the target muscles or sensory territory. Therapy can be important for maintaining motion, protecting repairs and retraining function during recovery.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Nerve reconstruction is individualized. Some injuries can be repaired directly, while others require grafting or transfers to restore a more useful path for nerve signals.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.