At Sharma Hand & Nerve in Boise, Dr. Ketan Sharma offers advanced surgical procedures to treat chronic pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues affecting your arms, legs, or hands. If you’re suffering from nerve compression or injury, these surgeries aim to restore function and provide long-term relief from debilitating symptoms.
Brachial Plexus Surgery
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in your shoulder, arm, and hand. When this nerve bundle is injured due to trauma, accidents, or surgical complications, it can result in severe weakness, pain, and paralysis of the upper limb. Dr. Sharma performs brachial plexus surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged nerves using advanced microsurgical techniques, including nerve grafts, nerve transfers, and neurolysis. The goal is to restore nerve pathways and help regain arm strength.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
Joint fusion, also known as arthrodesis, helps treat chronic joint pain and instability when other treatments have been unsuccessful. This procedure involves permanently fusing the bones of a joint, eliminating movement to relieve pain. It is commonly performed on the wrist, fingers, or thumb for patients with arthritis, joint deformities, or instability. By removing damaged cartilage and stabilizing the bones with plates, screws, or pins, Dr. Sharma creates a solid structure that enhances hand function, allowing patients to resume their daily activities.
Joint Replacement for Hand Arthritis
When arthritis in the hand becomes advanced and severely limits daily function, joint replacement can be a solution. Unlike fusion, which restricts movement, this procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with specialized implants that restore motion and stability.
It’s often used for joints in the fingers or the base of the thumb—areas commonly affected by stiffness, swelling, and pain during tasks like writing. Dr. Sharma carefully assesses each case to select implants that preserve as much motion as possible while relieving pain.
Tendon Transfer
Tendon transfer surgery is performed when nerves or muscles are so severely damaged that they cannot function properly, resulting in a loss of movement or control. This procedure reassigns tendons from working muscles to replace the function of paralyzed or weakened ones. For example, if a patient cannot extend their fingers due to nerve injury, a functioning tendon from another part of the arm can be rerouted to restore this motion. Tendon transfers can often restore independence in patients who might otherwise remain disabled.
Thoracic Outlet Decompression
Thoracic outlet decompression addresses compression of the nerves or blood vessels that pass through the thoracic outlet—a narrow space between the collarbone and first rib. This condition can cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, along with numbness or weakness in the hand. In some cases, it may interfere with circulation.
Dr. Sharma surgically relieves this pressure by removing anatomical structures such as an extra rib, tight muscles, or fibrous bands. His precise technique is critical, given the proximity to major nerves and arteries.
Why Choose Dr. Sharma for Surgical Procedures?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with training in peripheral nerve and reconstructive surgeries. With a background that includes a degree in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins and surgical training from Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Sharma brings world-class expertise to every case. He performs over 600 intricate nerve and pain surgeries annually and is recognized for his dedication to helping patients regain mobility.
Here’s why patients trust Dr. Sharma for surgical care:
- Extensive experience with nerve reconstruction and microsurgery
- Advanced skills in treating complex cases that others may not address
- Compassionate, thorough diagnosis and patient education
- Trusted by patients nationwide seeking relief from chronic pain
- Focus on restoring function and long-term pain relief
If you’re considering your surgical options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma today.