IFAR - Brachial Plexus Injuries - Banner copy

Surgical Treatment for Brachial Plexus Injuries in Ohio: Restoring Movement, Strength, and Independence

A brachial plexus injury can disrupt the simplest daily activities, like lifting your arm, gripping an object, or feeling sensation in your hand. Early surgical evaluation significantly improves functional recovery, especially when nerve reconstruction is performed within the optimal treatment window.

Check Your Symptoms: Are You Experiencing Any of the Following?

Arm or hand paralysis
Burning or electric shock–like pain
Inability to lift the shoulder or bend the elbow
Loss of sensation in the arm or hand
Muscle weakness or visible muscle wasting

If you said yes to any of the above, you may be a candidate for advanced nerve reconstruction surgery.

Book a Consultation

Surgical Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injury

Nerve Repair Surgery

Nerve Transfer Surgery

Tendon Transfer Surgery

Nerve repair surgery is typically recommended when the damaged nerve ends can be directly reconnected or bridged, often in cases where the injury is identified early, and the nerve structure remains viable. During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove damaged nerve tissue and reconnect the healthy ends using microsutures or nerve grafts to guide regeneration. Over time, the repaired nerve slowly regrows, allowing signals from the brain to reach the affected muscles and restore movement and sensation.

Nerve transfer surgery is chosen when the original nerve has been severely damaged, stretched, or avulsed from the spinal cord and is unlikely to recover on its own. In this procedure, a healthy donor nerve that controls a less critical function is redirected to reinnervate a more important paralyzed muscle. This approach allows patients to regain intentional movement by “rewiring” nerve signals, often producing faster and more reliable functional improvement than waiting for spontaneous recovery.

Tendon transfer surgery is typically considered when nerve recovery is no longer possible or when muscle paralysis has become permanent. Rather than relying on nerve regeneration, this procedure mechanically restores movement by repositioning tendons from functioning muscles to take over the role of paralyzed ones. Patients often experience immediate improvement in movement after healing, making tendon transfers an effective option for restoring function even years after injury.

Find Out If You’re Eligible for Brachial Plexus Treatment in Ohio

Schedule an Evaluation

See How Our Team is Changing Lives, One Patient at a Time

How Glen Beat a Double Sports Hernia

"From the day I had surgery to now - it's a world away."

Benefits of Advanced Brachial Plexus Surgery

Improved arm and hand function

Reduced chronic pain

Restored independence in daily activities

Prevention of long-term muscle atrophy

Personalized surgical planning by nerve specialists

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that may include advanced imaging, nerve conduction studies, and a detailed physical exam. Your surgeon will review the extent of nerve damage, explain which surgical approach is most appropriate, and discuss realistic recovery goals. This visit is also an opportunity to align expectations and ensure you feel informed and confident moving forward.

During Surgery

Surgery is performed using highly specialized microsurgical techniques that allow surgeons to work precisely on delicate nerves and surrounding structures. Depending on your injury, the procedure may involve nerve repair, nerve transfer, tendon transfer, or a combination of approaches.

Recovery

Recovery is a gradual process and includes close follow-up with your surgical team and a structured rehabilitation plan. While nerve regeneration takes time, many patients begin to notice incremental improvements in strength, movement, or sensation over the months following surgery. Ongoing therapy and monitoring are essential to maximizing long-term outcomes and functional recovery.

Why Trust The Institute of Ohio?

Access to Board-Certified Peripheral Nerve Surgeons

Care is led by Dr. Ajul Shah, who is double board-certified in plastic surgery and surgery of the hand. Dr. Shah is nationally recognized for his expertise in complex nerve injuries, combining meticulous microsurgical technique with individualized treatment planning to restore meaningful function. His focused experience allows for precise diagnosis and advanced nerve reconstruction that may not be available through general orthopedic or neurosurgical teams.

Nationally Recognized Expertise in Nerve Reconstruction

The Institute is part of a nationally recognized program known for treating some of the most complex brachial plexus injuries. Patients from across the region and beyond seek care here for advanced surgical solutions when standard treatment options are limited.

Multidisciplinary, Team-Based Surgical Planning

Every case is reviewed through a collaborative approach that brings together nerve surgeons, reconstructive specialists, therapists, and imaging experts. This team-based planning ensures that each surgical strategy is tailored to maximize functional recovery and long-term outcomes.

Advanced Microsurgical Techniques

Procedures are performed using state-of-the-art microsurgical technology, allowing surgeons to work on nerves just millimeters in size. This level of precision is critical for improving nerve regeneration, preserving healthy tissue, and optimizing surgical success.

Commitment to Patient-Centered Outcomes

Treatment planning focuses not just on surgical success, but on what matters most to each patient: regaining independence, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. From the first consultation through recovery, care is designed around individual goals and functional priorities.

Meet Ohio’s Top Brachial Plexus Injury Experts

Ajul Shah

MD, FACS

Ergun Kocak

Pankaj Tiwari

Santosh Kale

MD, MBA

Nirvana Saraswat

FAQs

How long does recovery take after brachial plexus surgery?

Nerve recovery is gradual and may take several months to over a year, depending on the procedure.

Is surgery always necessary?

Not all injuries require surgery, but severe or persistent deficits often benefit from surgical intervention.

What happens if I wait too long to get treatment?

Without treatment, nerve damage can be permanent, leading to lifelong disability, pain, and loss of function. Secondary injuries to the joints, muscles, or bones in the arm and hand can also develop over time without nerve signals and movement.

How do I know if my injury requires surgery or if therapy is enough?

Your physician will examine the type of nerve damage through electrical tests and imaging. If complete nerve tears or irrecoverable injuries are found, surgery is usually the best option for recovery. Our specialists can guide you on necessary procedures.

Will I regain full function?

Outcomes vary, but many patients experience meaningful improvements in strength, movement, and daily function.

Does insurance cover brachial plexus surgery?

Most medically necessary procedures are covered; our team assists with verification and authorization.

Surgical Treatment for Brachial Plexus Injuries in Ohio: Restoring Movement, Strength, and Independence

Check Your Symptoms: Are You Experiencing Any of the Following?

Surgical Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injury

See How Our Team is Changing Lives, One Patient at a Time

Benefits of Advanced Brachial Plexus Surgery