Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Peripheral nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscle, fat, and skin require specialized reconstruction techniques. The field developed “special techniques to reconstruct these tissues, including the use of tissue flaps, tissue grafts, and microsurgery.” These procedures demand exceptional precision, surgeons performing microsurgery use “sutures that are roughly one-third to one-half the diameter of a human hair.”
Dr. Chin specializes in treating various reconstructive conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Nerve entrapments
- Nerve injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries and sprains
- Arthritis
The Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system encompasses nerves extending beyond the brain and spinal cord to reach the outer parts of the body. It includes two main nerve types:
- Motor nerves: transmit electrical impulses to muscles, causing contraction and movement
- Sensory nerves: carry sensory information about pain, temperature, and pressure to the brain
Hand Nerve Damage and Repair
When hand nerves sustain injury, they cease transmitting motor and sensory signals effectively, resulting in lost movement, coordination, and sensation.
Nerve repair involves surgically aligning outer layers so fibers and sheaths match properly. “After a period of between three and four weeks, the fibers of the nerves begin to regrow across the repair site.” However, complete recovery remains uncommon because regrowth is complex and fibers may reconnect incorrectly.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries involve skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves but exclude bones and joints. Symptoms include swelling, redness, bruising, stiffness, pain, and functional loss.
Injuries are classified as:
- Open injuries: skin is broken
- Closed injuries: skin remains intact
Prompt surgical intervention yields the best repair outcomes, with most procedures performed on an outpatient basis followed by mandatory rehabilitation.
Candidacy Assessment
Every patient requires an individual consultation. During evaluation, your surgeon will review medical history, perform a thorough examination, and may order imaging studies to determine the underlying problem and appropriate treatment options.
