What is Microsurgery?

Why Microsurgery Matters in Hand and Upper Extremity Care

Everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding a cup depend on a finely tuned system of nerves, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels in the hand and arm. Even a small injury to one of these structures can lead to pain, weakness, or limited hand function—making everyday tasks unexpectedly difficult.

One significant advantage of microsurgery in the hand is the ability to repair these tiny structures without damaging the surrounding tissues. This highly targeted approach may lead to less post-surgical pain and faster recovery, especially for lower-impact procedures like carpal tunnel repair or joint denervation surgery. 

However, microsurgery isn't available everywhere. It requires years of specialized training and access to advanced, highly specialized instruments. As a result, only select surgical centers have the expertise and infrastructure to provide this level of care.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Microsurgery

Microsurgery can treat various injuries and conditions involving delicate nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. At The Institute’s Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery (HUES), our surgeons specialize in some of the most complex conditions and advanced microsurgical procedures, including: 

• Brachial Plexus Injuries
  Nerve repairs and transfers involving the brachial plexus—the network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
• Complex Hand Reconstruction
  Reconnecting nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues following traumatic amputation.
• Free Tissue Transfer
  Transplanting healthy muscle, skin, or nerve tissue to an area where tissue has been lost due to injury or surgery.
• Joint Denervation Surgery
  Disabling or removing pain-causing nerves involved in finger and wrist arthritis
• Nerve Compression Syndromes
  Conditions like carpal, cubital, and radial tunnel syndrome are often treated by releasing compressed nerves using precise microsurgical techniques.
• Targeted Muscle Reinnervation/Peripheral Nerve Interface
  Redirecting painful, tangled nerve endings that often form after amputation. Key for advanced prosthetic use. 
• Tendon, Nerve, and Vascular Lacerations 
  Repair of deep or complex injuries to the hand and arm tendons, nerves, or blood vessels.