Nerve Repairs
Nerve repair procedures can restore function and reduce symptoms caused by injured, compressed, or otherwise damaged nerves. Dr. John B. Fuller offers advanced options—including direct nerve repair, nerve grafting, and nerve transfer—tailored to your injury and goals.
What are nerve repairs?
Nerve repairs are procedures designed to restore continuity or function of a nerve that’s been stretched, torn, compressed, or otherwise damaged. Nerves act like your body’s “wiring”—carrying signals that control movement and sensation. Minor nerve issues may improve with conservative care, but more severe injuries may benefit from surgical repair.
Are there different types of nerve repair?
Yes. The best approach depends on the location, severity, and timing of the injury—along with your exam findings and goals.
Direct nerve repair
Often the first-line surgical option when the nerve ends can be reconnected. The goal is to restore continuity so the nerve can heal.
Nerve grafting
When there’s a gap, a graft can bridge the injured segment and support nerve regrowth and recovery.
Nerve transfer
A healthy donor nerve (or portion) is rerouted to power a damaged nerve pathway—often considered when grafting isn’t ideal.
What type of nerve repair is right for me?
Only a qualified specialist can determine which approach fits your condition. Dr. Fuller builds a plan using a structured evaluation.
History & symptoms
Onset, injury mechanism, changing sensation/strength, and what limits you day-to-day.
Focused exam
Motor testing, sensation mapping, and targeted evaluation for compression or dysfunction.
Testing when needed
Imaging and/or nerve studies can help clarify injury pattern and guide a high-confidence plan.
Clear plan
Conservative care when appropriate—advanced repair options when they offer the best path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nerve repairs are procedures that repair or reconstruct damaged nerves to restore function and reduce symptoms. Depending on the injury, options can include direct repair, grafting, or transfer.
Nerve repair may be considered for severe nerve damage from trauma, nerve entrapment/compression, tumors, or brachial plexus injury. Dr. Fuller will determine candidacy after evaluation.
Direct repair reconnects nerve ends when feasible. The goal is to restore continuity so healing and regrowth can occur.
Grafting uses a segment of nerve tissue to bridge a gap at the injury site—supporting nerve regrowth across the damaged segment.
Nerve transfer reroutes a healthy donor nerve (or portion) to help restore function when grafting is not ideal or the injury pattern requires a different strategy.
Clinical references
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Nerve injuries in the hand and fingers. View source
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Brachial plexus injuries overview. View source
- Mayo Clinic: Peripheral nerve injuries—diagnosis and treatment (graft/transfer overview). View source
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Nerve transfer. View source
- ASSH Handthology: Nerve injury and repair techniques. View source
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment vary by patient.