Repair of Digital Nerves
Repair of digital nerves is a microsurgical procedure performed to rejoin the severe ends of a nerve in the hand or finger. This is a complex surgery in which the surgeon carefully matches the nerve fibers and then uses small stitches to sew together the outer layer of tissue, which helps in protecting the nerve.
Moreover, this repair of the outer cover allows the nerve fibers to function again and gradually grow back to the muscles. Nerve repair helps in restoring sensation and muscle function. In many cases, nerve sensation and function are not completely restored.
The nerve is divided into two categories:
- An outer layer called epineureum (nerve sheath).
- The tune bundles of nerve fibres present inside the layer called fascicles. These nerves carry signals to the brain.
Understanding digital nerve
Including finger and thumb there are 2 digital nerves:
Nerves are placed on either side of the finger on the palm side of the hand. These nerves help to send signals to the brain about the sensations like hot, cold, vibration, sharp, hard or soft. These nerve sensations help to identify the objects by touch such as finding a pen or anything.
In case these nerves get injured, the most important thing that comes in contact is numbness. In case one nerve is affected, the fingertip will become numb, not the other side.
Surgical procedure for repair of digital nerves
- Before performing the surgery, anesthesia is given to the patient. This step leads to feeling no pain during the survey.
- The top orthopedic surgeons in India use a microscope to analyze the damaged ends of the nerve.
- The surgeon will rejoin the nerve sheath, this also allows the nerve fibres to reconnect.
- The surgeon cuts the ends of the lacerated nerve to expose healthy tissue.
- If the nerve ends can be joined without any interruption, the surgeon stitches them together using sutures.
- In many cases for large nerves such as radial or ulnar nerves, the surgeon makes a gap with a nerve graft. The surgeon prepares the harvested nerve by forming a bundle called cable graft.
- Lastly the finger skin is closed with bandages.
Symptoms of peripheral nerve injuries
Common symptoms of digital nerve injury includes:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Burning sensation
- Tingling sensation
Peripheral nerve disorders may result due to
- Injury
- Trauma
- Infection
- Diabetes
- Tumors
- Kidney disorder
Understanding the need for surgery
Digital nerve repair surgery is advised for injuries that completely sever the nerve fibers in the fingers or hand. However, if the injury only bruises the nerve, it can heal on its own.
Since it is difficult to determine the extent of the injury, it is better to consult a health specialist for proper suggestions and recommendations.
Cost of Repair of digital nerves in India
The cost of Repair of digital nerves in India is affordable and significantly lower than in Western countries. Additionally, top orthopedic hospitals in India offer excellent facilities and services.
Highly skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeons perform the procedure with precision, ensuring better outcomes.
India is one of the leading countries providing advanced medical technology and high-quality care for international patients.
Summary
Repair of digital nerves is a microsurgical procedure performed to rejoin the severe ends of a nerve in the hand or finger.
Moreover, this repair of the outer cover allows the nerve fibers to function again and gradually grow back to the muscles.
These nerves help to send signals to the brain about the sensations like hot, cold, vibration, sharp, hard or soft. Digital nerve repair surgery is advised for injuries that completely sever the nerve fibers in the fingers or hand.
