If you’re struggling with weakness, paralysis, or loss of function in your arm or hand, a nerve transfer may be the key to restoring movement. At Sharma Hand & Nerve in Boise, Dr. Ketan Sharma performs advanced nerve transfers to treat complex nerve injuries and chronic nerve dysfunction and achieve lasting surgical results.
What Are Nerve Transfers?
Nerve transfers are surgical procedures used to restore function and sensation by rerouting a healthy, working nerve to replace a damaged one. This technique is especially helpful when a nerve has been injured or is unable to regenerate on its own. By selecting donor nerves with redundant or less critical functions, Dr. Sharma can rewire the nervous system to restore movement, reduce pain, and alleviate numbness. Nerve transfers are often used in the treatment of brachial plexus injuries and severe peripheral nerve damage.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Indicating You May Need Nerve Transfers?
If you’ve experienced a nerve injury or ongoing nerve dysfunction that hasn’t improved with time, nerve transfer surgery may be an option to restore movement or sensation. Look out for the following signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for this procedure:
- Persistent weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Loss of muscle function after nerve trauma
- Numbness or tingling that does not improve over time
- Inability to lift or extend the arm or wrist
- Muscle wasting in the upper or lower limbs
- Failed recovery after previous nerve surgery or repair
What Do Nerve Transfers Treat?
Nerve transfers help patients who have experienced significant nerve damage, particularly when traditional nerve repair or regeneration techniques are not effective. This is particularly beneficial for restoring function in cases of nerve paralysis, chronic weakness, or loss of movement in the upper or lower limbs.
By rerouting functional nerves, Dr. Sharma can restore lost motion and reduce symptoms caused by severe nerve injuries.
What Happens During Nerve Transfers?
Nerve transfer surgery begins with Dr. Sharma making a precise incision to access the injured nerve and a nearby donor nerve that still has healthy function. Using microsurgical techniques, he identifies a donor nerve branch that controls a less critical muscle or function, often one with overlapping responsibilities. Dr. Sharma then carefully severs this donor nerve and connects it to the non-functional nerve below the site of injury. This allows regenerating nerve fibers to grow from the donor nerve into the pathway of the damaged nerve.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts several hours, depending on the number and complexity of transfers involved. Dr. Sharma uses intraoperative nerve stimulation and magnification to ensure precision in aligning the nerve fibers for optimal regeneration. Postoperatively, the newly connected nerve fibers regenerate at a rate of about one millimeter per day, and physical therapy is essential to retrain the muscles.
What is Recovery Like After Nerve Transfers?
Recovery after a nerve transfer is a gradual process that requires patience and guided rehabilitation. After surgery, you may experience temporary soreness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected area. Most patients wear a protective splint or brace for several weeks to allow proper healing. Nerve regeneration is a slow process, typically occurring at a rate of approximately one millimeter per day, which means full results can take several months. Dr. Sharma and his team will work closely with you to optimize functional outcomes.
To support your recovery, you’ll need to:
- Attend regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Sharma
- Participate in a structured physical therapy program
- Protect the surgical site from strain or injury
- Perform prescribed home exercises consistently
- Monitor for any signs of infection or complications
- Maintain realistic expectations about the timeline of improvement
Why Choose Dr. Sharma for Nerve Transfers?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced training in peripheral nerve reconstruction and a global reputation for treating complex nerve injuries. He performs 600+ nerve and pain surgeries each year and is known for his precision, innovation, and commitment to restoring meaningful function in patients with paralysis or chronic nerve damage. His deep expertise and hands-on approach ensure every nerve transfer is carefully tailored to your specific anatomy and functional goals.
Here’s why patients across the region trust Dr. Sharma for nerve transfers:
- World-class training from institutions like Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Washington University
- Emphasizes surgical solutions that provide lasting relief, not temporary fixes
- One of the highest surgical volumes for nerve transfers worldwide
- Uses advanced microsurgical techniques for precise nerve connection
- Personally guides each patient through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma today to find out if a nerve transfer could restore the function you’ve lost.
