Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Peripheral nerves emerge from the spinal cord to provide sensory and motor function. In the upper and lower limbs, these nerves can become compressed, cut, crushed, or injured along the way. There are many different procedures available that can help treat nerve pain, address nerve compression, and restore both sensation and function.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve is compressed at the level of the wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the level of the elbow. Both are two of the most common sites of nerve compression, but there are other peripheral nerves and sites of compression that can be affected in the upper and lower limb.
Nerves can be cut, crushed, stretched, or injured during traumatic injuries. Performing these surgeries (e.g. nerve repairs, nerve grafts, or nerve transfers) are often complex and time-sensitive in helping a patient restore function and/or sensation. Nerve regeneration takes time and rehabilitation often takes well over 1-2 years.
After a nerve suffers from an injury, the patient can experience neuropathic pain that are often described as burning, throbbing, stabbing, or shooting. These symptoms can be functionally debilitating. There are procedures that can help address nerve pain, including targeted muscle reinnervation, regenerative peripheral nerve interface, and different types of neurectomies.
Procedure Overview
Below are summaries of what you can anticipate before and after common procedures, including the type of anesthesia you may have, the anticipated post-operative course, when you can expect to return to work.
Please take your time to review ones that apply to you.
Carpal tunnel release
Anesthesia
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Local only or
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Local with sedation
Duration of Surgery
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20-30 minutes
Wound Care
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Remove dressing after 5 days and wash with soap and water daily
Post-op Recovery Time
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2 weeks - suture removal, gentle range of motion of fingers, light activities
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3 weeks - scar massage
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4 weeks - increase strength
Scars
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Linear incision on your palm
Return to Work/Play
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Average 4-6 weeks
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May have ongoing numbness as the nerve regenerates 1mm/day
Cubital tunnel release
Anesthesia
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General anesthesia
Duration of Surgery
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1 - 1.5 hours
Wound Care
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Remove dressing after 5 days and wash with soap and water daily
Post-op Recovery Time
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2 weeks - suture removal, gentle range of motion of fingers and elbow, light activities
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3 weeks - scar massage
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4 weeks - increase strength
Scars
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Curvilinear incision at the inner elbow
Return to Work/Play
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Average 4-6 weeks
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May have ongoing numbness as the nerve regenerates 1mm/day
Nerve graft or transfer
Anesthesia
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General anesthesia
Duration of Surgery
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Varies depending on the type of procedure performed
Wound Care
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Typically, you will have a splint for 2-3 weeks before you start therapy
Post-op Recovery Time
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2 weeks - suture removal, start therapy
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3 weeks - scar massage
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6 week, 3 month, 6 month, 12+ month follow-ups to track recovery
Scars
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Varies depending on the type of surgery
Return to Work/Play
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Over 1-2 years as nerves regenerate 1mm per day
Nerve pain surgery
Anesthesia
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General
Duration of Surgery
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Varies depending on the type of surgery performed
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Typically 3 hours
Wound Care
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Keep dressing dry for 5 days then wash with soap and water
Post-op Recovery Time
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2 weeks - suture removal, start light activities/therapy
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3 weeks - scar massage
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4 weeks - resume regular activity
Scars
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Varies depending on the location of the neuroma and the type of surgery being performed
Return to Work/Play
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Approximately 3-4 weeks