Restoring Feeling and Strength after Nerve Damage
Peripheral nerves are nerves that are located outside of the brain and
spinal cord, such as those in the arms and legs. These nerves send messages
from the central nervous system to the rest of the body and back again
to provide sensation and movement.
When these nerves are not working properly, you may experience areas of numbness, tingling, burning, pain or weakness in your body. Disorders of the peripheral nerves are known as neuropathies.
Peripheral neuropathies can be caused by traumatic injuries, amputations, metabolic disorders, and infections, among other reasons. A common cause is nerve compression, caused by constriction of a nerve as its travels through a tight tunnel in the body; for example, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Our expert physicians at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) are skilled in state-of-the-art peripheral nerve techniques that can relieve symptoms, restore function and get you back to activities of daily life.
Services We Provide
At RJWUH, our plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer:
- Microsurgical reconstruction, in which surgeons use fine magnification tools to repair small blood vessels and nerves
- Nerve transfer surgery, in which a surgeon attaches a nerve from above an injury to a nerve below the injury
- Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) surgery, which redirects nerves severed by amputation to new muscle targets
- Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) surgery, in which a free muscle graft is wrapped around a cut nerve ending and acts as a target for peripheral nerve ingrowth
Peripheral neuropathy can be painful and make daily activities difficult. We work in tandem with pain management specialists, neurologists, occupational therapists and other experts to coordinate treatment and address all aspects of peripheral neuropathy.
We also work closely with the Emergency Department in the event of a traumatic injury.
Conditions We Treat
Patient-Centered Care
You are the only person who knows what your neuropathy feels like and how it affects your life. Our compassionate physicians will listen carefully and provide a thorough explanation of your options. We will work together to determine the best treatment plan for you, individualized to meet your specific needs.