What is a nerve graft?

A nerve graft is a surgical technique in which a segment of unrelated nerve is used to replace or bridge an injured portion of nerve. The donor nerve serves as a track along which appendages of neurons, which transmit impulses from the spinal cord to the muscle, can grow down to the target area.

Grafts are selected from nerves that are considered expendable, or much less important than the function being restored. Common examples of nerves that are used for grafts include the sural nerve in the leg, which provides sensation to the side of the foot, and the medical antebrachial cutaneous nerve, which provides sensation to the inner aspect of the arm. The sural nerve runs down the back of the leg, from behind the knee to the outside of the foot. The procedure which takes the nerve will leave a scar in the back of the patient’s leg with numbness to the outside of the foot. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is taken from the inner upper arm, and this procedure results in numbness to the inside portions of the arm, elbow and forearm.

Important 

Before your procedure, you will have the opportunity to discuss your condition and the results you would like to achieve with your surgeon. Communication is vital. Ensure you communicate everything clearly to your surgeon and re-confirm the intended procedure to ensure there is no miscommunication. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure, and what long-term benefits and side-effects you may experience. Every patient is different, and your specialist will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided.

Please note. The information found on this website is purely for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for its exactness or for its accuracy for your specific situation and/or for your specific procedure. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from your physician / surgeon as it may not contain all the known facts, risks and side effects of this procedure. Please consult with your physician / surgeon about your personal circumstances and about your personal procedure / treatment plan. We take no responsibility for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or for any loss or damage suffered by you in relation to the services we provide to you, or the information provided on our website.