Nerve reconstruction at the University of Ottawa
When the activity of a nerve is disrupted, it can result in functional problems with muscles, loss of sensation and pain. Microsurgical procedures have been developed with the aim to repair and restore function to the nerves. The surgical approach is dictated by the character of the injury and may include nerve repair, nerve graft, nerve transfer or neurolysis. Surgical intervention should be expeditious to prevent irreversible function loss and subsequent innervated muscle function. In the case where nerve repair is not successful, further procedures such as tendon transfer and nerve transfer may be required. The University of Ottawa is at the forefront of nerve reconstruction with the first nerve transfer for spinal cord injury in Canada performed in Ottawa in February of 2015 by Dr. Kirsty Boyd. The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has initiated an upper extremity/peripheral nerve service in tandem with the Divisions of Rehabilitation Medicine to optimize patient care.
The Faculty of Plastic Surgery at the University of Ottawa employs the latest advancements in nerve reconstruction surgical methods to ensure safety, optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.