We most often see nerve injuries in relation to cutting injuries on the limbs. Glass (a broken door or window) is a very common cause of injury. Typically nerves in the forearm and wrist (median and ulnar nerves) are affected. Individual nerve injuries may be complete (complete transection of nerve) or partial (incision of the nerve). In both cases the solution is suturing nerve under microscope by microsurgical technique. It is often necessary to reconstruct tendons or blood vessels and the operation can last several hours. Trauma and vascular surgeons, however, are available 24 hours a day.
Nerve contusion by blunt force or their excessive extension (distraction) are less frequent. Although in these cases the nerve remains intact, its fibres are damaged and the nerve loses its function. These injuries cannot be directly surgically treated.
Timely operational treatment is suitable in cases of nerve injuries – although this is not an acute condition and the operation need not be immediate, surgery within 24-48 hours of the trauma is optimal.
With regard to the complex functional recovery in injured nerves, the precise treatment and renewal of continuity of the nerve is rather a fortunate exception – in most cases we see a partial correction of condition. Depending on the location and type of injury, a probable time interval necessary for healing can be established, and may be more than a year.
After the convalescence period, the prevention of muscle contractures and regular, intensive rehabilitation of the affected limb are crucial. EMG (electromyography) tests tell us about the state
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