Skip to content 
What is a nerve injury?
A nerve injury in the hand is a condition in which the nerves in the hand are damaged by cutting, crushing or stretching. Even the slightest nerve damage can severely limit the function of this sensitive organ. Problems such as sensory loss, weakness and limited mobility can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. This is where hand surgery comes in. As MSM clinic, our goal is to give our patients a new lease of life by using the latest technologies in the treatment of nerve injuries in the hand.
What causes nerve injuries?
There are many causes of nerve injuries in the hand. The most common of these are:
- Cutting tool injuries: Injuries caused by cutting tools such as knives, glass or scissors can cause cuts or nerve damage.
- Crush injuries: Situations such as getting stuck in a door or falling on a heavy object can compress or damage nerves.
- Penetrating injuries: Penetrating the hand with sharp objects such as nails, needles or bullets can cause nerve injuries.
- Surgical procedures: Previous surgery or other medical procedures can damage nerves in the hand.
- Repetitive motion: Repetitive motion in some jobs or sports can lead to nerve compression and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of a nerve injury?
The symptoms of nerve damage can vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. Commonly seen:
- Numbness and tingling: numbness or tingling in the innervation area of the damaged nerve.
- Pain: pain that is particularly worse with movement.
- Weakness: weakening of muscles and difficulty in movement.
- Loss of sensation: loss of sensations such as heat, cold or touch.
How are nerve injuries diagnosed?
The correct diagnosis of nerve injuries in the hand is very important in creating an appropriate treatment plan. During the diagnosis process, your doctor may use one or more of the following methods:
- Physical examination:
o Sensation test: Your doctor will assess your touch, temperature and pain sensations in different areas of your hand.
o Muscle strength test: Various tests will be performed to measure the strength of the muscles in your hand.
o Range of motion: It will evaluate the range of motion of your hand and fingers.
o Reflex test: It will check the presence or absence of certain reflexes.
- Patient history:
o How and when the injury occurred
o Symptoms experienced (pain, numbness, weakness, etc.)
o Information such as previous health problems and treatments you have received is important for your doctor.
- Imaging tests:
o X-ray: It is used to determine if there are any fractures or dislocations in the bones.
o Ultrasound: Allows you to see nerves and soft tissues.
o Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It is used to get more detailed images of the nerves and surrounding tissues.
- Electrophysiological tests:
o Electromyography (EMG): It evaluates the signals that nerves send to muscles by measuring the electrical activity of the muscles.
o Nerve conduction velocity studies: Determines the location and severity of nerve damage by measuring how quickly nerves transmit electrical signals.
Why is the diagnosis process important?
- Creating the right treatment plan: The information obtained during the diagnosis will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you.
- Preventing complications: Early diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of permanent damage.
- Tracking the healing process: During the treatment process, your healing process will be monitored through regular check-ups and changes to your treatment plan will be made if necessary.
How are nerve injuries treated?
Treatment of nerve injuries in the hand depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the type of nerve, and the location of the damage. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical methods.
Surgical treatment methods
- Nerve repairs using microsurgery:
o Direct repair: The cut end of the nerve is put together under a microscope using special needles and very thin suture material.This method is preferred when the nerve endings are close to each other.
o Graft repair: When there is a large nerve deficit, the missing nerve tissue (graft) is filled in from another part of the body.
o Nerve transfer: A method used to replace damaged nerve functions with another nerve.
- Nerve decompression: This is a surgical procedure performed to relieve nerve transfer pressure due to the disease in which the nerve is compressed or crushed.
- Muscle transfer: This is the process of transferring another muscle to replace the muscles weakened due to nerve damage.
Non-surgical treatment methods
- Physical therapy:
o Exercises are performed to improve the nerve regeneration process, increase mobility and maintain muscle strength.
o Various treatment methods are used to reduce numbness and pain.
- Drug treatment:
o Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
o There are also some Medicines that assist in nerve healing.
What is the post-operative care for nerve injuries in the hand?
- Continue physical therapy: Regularly continuing the physical therapy program after surgery will help nerve healing and speed up the recovery of hand function.
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will perform regular check-ups to monitor your recovery progress.
