Evaluating Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation to Improve Nerve Healing After Surgical Repair of Digital Nerve Injuries

Function And Speed of Transection Recovery After Therapeutic Electrostimulation of Nerves

The goal of this clinical study is to evaluate if a period of electrical stimulation delivered during the surgical repair procedure can speed up nerve healing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-80 years
• Candidate for surgical intervention under general anesthesia.
• Require primary nerve injury repair in at least 1 digital nerve.
• Following resection, have a resulting nerve gap of ≤ 10mm.
• Able to complete tension-free end-to-end direct repair, or repair with a conduit, autograft, or allograft with a length ≤15mm
• Signed and dated informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe comorbid conditions, such as arrhythmia or congestive heart failure, preventing surgery under general anesthesia.
• Nerve repair occurring >1 month post-injury.
• Incomplete nerve transection.
• Injury requiring replantation of target digit
• Injury distal to the distal interphalangeal joint.
• Injury proximal to branching into the proper or common digital nerves.
• Injuries to both digital arteries of an affected digit.
• History of neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, or any other known neuropathy
• History of chronic ischemic condition of the upper extremity
• Cognitive impairment preventing the ability to provide consent, follow post-operative instructions, or complete clinical assessments.