Zenuwtransfers

Zenuwtransfers, also known as nerve transfers or neurotization procedures, are surgical techniques used to restore function to paralyzed muscles. This is achieved by redirecting a healthy nerve that controls a functioning muscle to reinnervate a nerve that has lost its connection to a paralyzed muscle. The goal is to reroute the nerve signals from the working nerve to the non-working nerve, allowing the brain to regain control over the previously paralyzed muscle.

These procedures are typically considered when a nerve injury is severe and direct nerve repair or grafting is not feasible or has failed. Zenuwtransfers are often employed in cases of brachial plexus injuries, where a network of nerves in the shoulder and arm is damaged, leading to significant loss of arm and hand function. They can also be used for other nerve injuries affecting the limbs.

The success of a zenuwtransfer depends on several factors, including the health of the donor nerve, the extent of the injury to the recipient nerve, and the patient's overall health and commitment to rehabilitation. Following the surgery, a period of intensive physical therapy is crucial to help the brain relearn how to control the reinnervated muscle and to maximize functional recovery. While zenuwtransfers can offer significant improvements in function, they do not always result in complete restoration of the original movement.