Peripheral nerves that are transected “heal” be regenerating from the point of interruption to the tips. Nerve regeneration after injury: newer approaches to improving nerve regeneration. Timeline for Hand Surgery Recovery. Later nerve surgery Nerve Freeing (Neurolysis) The nerve may have been repaired, and some recovery of function may have occurred, however scar tissue around the nerve causes tethering and discomfort when you move your hand. When it comes to never regeneration, the rate of recovery depends on how severely the nerve was injured. After surgery, you may need specialised hand therapy to help improve the function and range of movement of your hand. St. Restoration of sensation in the hand is necessary if the patient is to recover a reasonable level of functionality. It depends. Ulnar Nerve Surgery Recovery Your doctor may recommend that you keep your arm elevated above your heart for 24 to 48 hours after surgery to prevent swelling. Lundborg G. The hand and the brain. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1994. You have just had surgery on your hand or arm. Carpal tunnel release surgery is a low-risk procedure with high success in quickly relieving nighttime and neurological symptoms. Generally, the more extensive your surgery, the longer your recovery time. The ulnar nerve branches off the brachial plexus nerve system and travels down the back and inside of the arm to the hand. The following two suggestions can help reduce your swelling. In most instances, hand decompression surgery is performed to ease the stress on the ulnar nerve. Hand therapy. Tendon and Nerve Surgery in the Hand: A Third Decade. It may be necessary to wear a splint on your elbow for a few weeks to help the area heal, and moving your fingers or applying an ice pack can help prevent swelling and stiffness. Elevation Elevate your arm above your heart. Reducing swelling helps speed recovery and will lessen your pain. The amount of time it will take you to heal after hand surgery will vary based on the type of surgery you have and the severity of your condition. 3-10. It's important todiscuss your recovery and any aftercare procedures you may need with your specialist before having surgery. Early repair and grafting is an essential component of hand surgery. Hunter JM, Schneider LH, eds. Swelling Swelling is natural after surgery for the first week. It the nerve was traumatized or bruised, then recovery rate is around 6 to 12 weeks. For example, tendon repair recovery can take up to 12 weeks for your hand to return to full strength and up to 6 months for you to regain a full range of movement. Tendon and Nerve Surgery in the Hand: A Third Decade. If the nerve was cut, the recovery rate is slower. Trying to pinpoint a specific recovery period is difficult. Hunter JM, Schneider LH, Mackin EJ, eds. The scar tissue can also limit nerve cell regeneration. 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