Living with nerve pain, numbness, or weakness can be a daily struggle, impacting everything from your work to your favorite activities. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we understand the complexities of the peripheral nervous system and offer advanced surgical solutions to help you find relief and get back to your life. Our team of expert surgeons, including specialists like W. Scott Green, M.D., Chief of Hand Surgery, and Lindsey Valone, M.D., are dedicated to providing personalized care for a wide range of peripheral nerve conditions.
This page is designed to be your guide to understanding peripheral nerve surgery. We’ll break down what it is, why it’s done, and what you can expect throughout your journey with us in a way that’s easy to understand.
Overview: What is Peripheral Nerve Surgery?
Think of your peripheral nerves as the intricate electrical wiring of your body. They branch out from your brain and spinal cord, carrying messages that allow you to move, feel, and experience the world. When these nerves are damaged, whether from an injury, a medical condition, or simply from being “pinched,” the signals are disrupted. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, from tingling and numbness to severe pain and loss of function.
Peripheral nerve surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on repairing and restoring function to these damaged nerves. It’s a delicate and complex process, often performed using powerful microscopes and tiny instruments to work on nerves that can be as thin as a human hair. The goal of the surgery is to alleviate pain, improve sensation, and restore muscle control.
Our surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics are skilled in a variety of advanced techniques, including:
- Nerve Repair: Directly reconnecting the ends of a severed nerve.
- Nerve Grafting: Using a piece of nerve from another part of your body (or a donor) to bridge a gap in a damaged nerve.
- Nerve Transfer: Rerouting a healthy, less important nerve to take over the function of a damaged one.
- Nerve Decompression: Relieving pressure on a nerve that is being squeezed or “entrapped.”
Why is Peripheral Nerve Surgery Done?
There are many reasons why you might need peripheral nerve surgery. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Traumatic Injuries: Accidents, falls, and deep cuts can all cause severe nerve damage that may require surgical repair.
- Entrapment Syndromes: This is a group of conditions where a nerve is compressed or squeezed in a narrow space. You may have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (affecting the wrist) or cubital tunnel syndrome (affecting the elbow).
- Nerve Tumors: Benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths can form on or near nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: While not always treated with surgery, in some cases, nerve decompression can help relieve pain and numbness in the feet for people with diabetes.
- Chronic Pain: If you’re experiencing persistent pain after a previous surgery or injury, it may be due to a damaged nerve that could be treated with surgery.
What to Expect: Your Surgical Journey
We believe that a well-informed patient is an empowered patient. Here’s a look at what you can expect before, during, and after your peripheral nerve surgery at California Pacific Orthopaedics.
Before the Procedure
Your journey will begin with a thorough evaluation with one of our specialists. This will include:
- A Detailed Medical History: We’ll ask you about your symptoms, any past injuries or surgeries, and your overall health.
- A Physical Examination: Your doctor will test your muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes.
- Diagnostic Tests: To get a clear picture of the nerve damage, we may order tests such as:
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG): These tests measure how well your nerves are sending electrical signals.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasound: These imaging studies can help us see the nerve and surrounding tissues in detail.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. We’ll discuss all of your options, both surgical and non-surgical, and answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel confident and comfortable with your decision.
During the Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be in the expert hands of our surgical team. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Anesthesia: Most peripheral nerve surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- The Surgery: Your surgeon will make a small incision over the affected nerve. Using a high-powered microscope, they will carefully repair, graft, or decompress the nerve. The length and complexity of the surgery will depend on your specific condition.
- Closing the Incision: Once the nerve is repaired, the incision will be closed with stitches.
After the Procedure
Recovery from peripheral nerve surgery is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Nerves heal very slowly, at a rate of about one millimeter per day. Here’s what you can expect in the days, weeks, and months following your surgery:
- Immediately After Surgery: You may experience some pain and swelling at the incision site. We’ll provide you with pain medication to keep you comfortable. You will likely go home the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you.
- The First Few Weeks: You’ll need to protect the surgical site, and you may need to wear a splint or brace. You’ll have a follow-up appointment to have your stitches removed.
- Rehabilitation: Physical or occupational therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. Our therapists will work with you to regain strength, flexibility, and function.
- Long-Term Recovery: It can take several months, or even a year or more, to see the full results of your surgery. You may experience tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation as the nerve heals, which is a good sign!
Your Partners in Care
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we’re more than just a team of doctors; we’re your partners in your journey to recovery. We’re committed to providing you with the highest level of care, from your initial consultation to your final follow-up appointment. We have two convenient locations in the Bay Area to serve you:
- San Francisco: 3838 California Street, Suites 108, 516 and 715, San Francisco, CA 94118
- San Rafael: 1099 D Street, Suite 105, San Rafael, CA 94901
If you’re living with nerve pain and want to learn more about your treatment options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Call us today at (415) 668-8010 to take the first step towards a life with less pain and more freedom.
