Advanced Nerve Reconstruction in Paramus, NJ with Dr. Steven Ugras
What Is a Nerve Transfer?
A nerve transfer is a specialized surgical technique in which a healthy, functioning nerve is rerouted to take over the role of a damaged or non-functioning nerve. This procedure is often used when a nerve injury is too severe or too old for direct repair or grafting to be effective.
By connecting a healthy donor nerve to the injured nerve, nerve transfers can restore movement, sensation, and function in the hand and arm — often with faster recovery than traditional methods.
At Paramus Hand Surgery, Dr. Steven Ugras offers advanced nerve transfer surgery to help patients regain function after severe nerve injuries.
When Is a Nerve Transfer Needed?
Nerve transfers are typically performed when:
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The original nerve injury is too far from the muscle it controls (delaying recovery)
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The nerve injury is over 6–12 months old, making regeneration unlikely without help
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The nerve gap is too large for direct repair or grafting
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The patient has suffered brachial plexus injuries or other complex nerve trauma
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Recovery from a previous nerve surgery has stalled
Benefits of Nerve Transfers
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Faster reinnervation of muscles compared to waiting for the original nerve to regrow
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Can restore critical movements like finger flexion, wrist extension, and pinch grip
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Avoids the need for long nerve grafts in many cases
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May be performed even when direct nerve repair is no longer an option
Common Types of Nerve Transfers in the Hand and Arm
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Motor nerve transfers: Restoring muscle movement by connecting a healthy motor nerve to a damaged one
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Sensory nerve transfers: Restoring sensation to fingers or palm
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Combined motor and sensory transfers: For complex injuries affecting both movement and feeling
Example: Using part of a healthy median nerve branch to restore ulnar nerve function in the hand.
How Is a Nerve Transfer Performed?
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Detailed evaluation with nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)
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Surgical mapping to identify healthy donor nerves
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Microsurgical connection of the donor nerve to the injured nerve
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Postoperative therapy to retrain the brain to use the new nerve pathway
The procedure is performed under a surgical microscope to ensure the most precise alignment possible.
Recovery After a Nerve Transfer
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Nerve retraining: The brain must learn to activate the muscle via the new nerve pathway
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Physical and occupational therapy are critical for regaining function
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Recovery times vary, but improvement often begins within months and continues for up to 2 years
How Common Are Nerve Transfers?
While still a specialized surgery performed by trained microsurgeons, nerve transfers are becoming more common for severe upper extremity nerve injuries. The results are often life-changing for patients who might otherwise have permanent disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is a nerve transfer different from a nerve graft?
A: A graft bridges a gap in the original nerve, while a transfer reroutes a healthy nerve to replace the injured one’s function.
Q: Will I lose function where the donor nerve came from?
A: Donor nerves are carefully selected to minimize functional loss, often using redundant nerve branches.
Q: Is there a time limit for performing a nerve transfer?
A: While earlier is better, nerve transfers can be effective even months after the injury, especially when direct repair is no longer possible.
Nerve Transfer Surgery in Bergen County, NJ
If you have suffered a severe nerve injury in your hand, wrist, or arm, a nerve transfer may be your best chance at regaining movement and sensation.
Paramus Hand Surgery offers expert nerve reconstruction to patients from Paramus, Ridgewood, Hackensack, and throughout Bergen County, NJ.
Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Ugras, an experienced microsurgeon in advanced nerve transfer procedures.