Hand nerve injuries occur most commonly following cuts or crushing injuries. When a nerve is bruised but intact, sensation may return gradually without surgery. When a nerve is cut, surgical repair is required to reconnect the nerve ends and allow regrowth.

Nerve repair involves carefully identifying the damaged nerve and rejoining it under magnification using very fine stitches. Although the nerve is repaired surgically, sensation does not return immediately. The nerve must slowly regrow its connections to the fingers or hand, which can take many months.

Recovery focuses on protecting the repair while maintaining safe movement. Hand therapy is often required. This procedure is best suited to patients with confirmed nerve division where recovery would not occur without surgical repair.