Nerve Transfers

Our nerve transfers in Denver are a type of surgical procedure that is designed to restore muscle function following peripheral nerve injury. This approach involves transferring an expendable or less critical nerve to a more critical nerve to restore function to the affected area.

What is Nerve Transfer?

Nerve transfer surgery is a procedure where a functioning nerve that has little or no impact on a person's movements is spliced into the peripheral nerve that requires repair. The result is a nerve that can restore function to the injured area, which helps to improve muscle strength, movement, and function.

Woman sitting with her hand on her chin and a coffee mug in the other hand

How Does Nerve Transfer Work?

The peripheral nervous system is made up of networks of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and organs throughout the body. When a peripheral nerve is damaged, the movement of muscles in that area can be affected. In some cases, nerve function can be restored by splicing a healthy nerve that is no longer essential in another part of the body into the affected nerve. The healthy nerve fibers will begin to grow into the injured nerve, repairing the damage and restoring function.

What Conditions Can Nerve Transfer Treat?

Our surgery for nerve transfer in Denver can treat a variety of conditions, including brachial plexus injuries, facial paralysis, and nerve injuries in the leg. Patients with spinal cord injuries, birth palsy, and stroke can also benefit from nerve transfer surgery.

Types of Nerve Transfers

Lower Trunk Nerve Transfer

This is a popular nerve transfer surgery used to restore the function of the arm after injuries or damage to the Brachial Plexus. During this procedure, a working nerve in the lower trunk area of the affected arm is transferred to another nerve that controls the movement of another muscle. This type of surgery can help restore mobility and function to the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and hand.

Oberlin Transfer

The Oberlin transfer is another type of nerve transfer surgery, which is used to restore elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injuries, usually resulting from a blunt force trauma injury, such as a fall or car accident. The surgery involves transplanting a nerve called the ulnar nerve from the front part of the arm to the biceps muscle group of the upper arm, restoring the function of elbow flexion.

Nerve Transfer for Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis can be caused by many different factors, including nerve injury, viral infections, and cancer. When facial paralysis occurs, it can significantly impair the ability of the affected person to express emotions, chew or eat, and even speak. Nerve transfer surgery can restore the function of the facial muscles by splicing working nerves into the paralyzed ones. This type of surgery usually involves using a working nerve from the area behind the ear or the temporalis muscle and transplanting it to the affected muscles of the face.

Spinal Accessory Nerve Transfer

Spinal accessory nerve transfer surgery is used to restore shoulder function in patients who have Brachial Plexus injuries resulting from severe neck injury. This surgery is typically reserved for patients who have experienced a complete loss of motor function in the shoulder and elbow. During the procedure, the surgeon will graft a working nerve from the unaffected side of the patient's neck to the affected side of the neck to provide motor function to the muscles that control the shoulder and upper arm.

Overall, nerve transfer surgery is an advanced technique that can provide significant benefits to patients whose peripheral nerve injuries are causing severe functional limitations. With the latest technology and advanced methods, these procedures can effectively restore function and help patients regain their quality of life.

Am I a Candidate?

If you have experienced nerve injury or have debilitating conditions like paralysis or difficulty moving, you may be a candidate for nerve transfer surgery. The best way to determine if this is the right option is to consult a qualified specialist.

Why Choose The Atlas Institute Peripheral Nerve Care?

At The Atlas Institute, we have a team of highly experienced and dedicated surgeons who specialize in peripheral nerve care. We provide advanced treatment options using the latest technology and state-of-the-art methods, including nerve transfer surgery. Our goal is to help patients restore the function of the affected area and improve their quality of life. Patients can trust us to provide them with compassionate care and personalized service throughout their journey to recovery.