Nerve Reconstruction Perth | Nerve Repair & Nerve Surgery
Nerve reconstruction: Surgical options to restore movement
“Even after nerve damage, function can often be restored—sometimes up to 70%. The key is finding the right surgical approach.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
Losing movement or feeling in your arm or hand can make daily tasks frustrating. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Alex O’Beirne specialises in nerve reconstruction, using advanced techniques to help you regain function after nerve damage. Whether from injury, surgery, or a medical condition, he’ll work with you to find the best treatment.
Nerve Reconstruction Perth
What is nerve reconstruction?
Nerves are like electrical wires, carrying messages from your brain to your muscles. When they’re damaged, those signals don’t get through properly, leading to weakness, numbness, or even paralysis. In many cases, surgery can restore function by repairing or rerouting nerves.
The nervous system is made up of two parts:
- The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- The peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that control movement and sensation in the limbs).
Nerve reconstruction primarily focuses on the peripheral nervous system, using surgical techniques to restore lost function. This may involve repairing a damaged nerve, bridging a gap with a nerve graft, or rerouting a working nerve to take over for one that no longer functions.
In some cases, such as post-stroke surgery, the problem starts in the brain, not the nerves. While the brain itself can’t be repaired with surgery, nerve and tendon transfers can help reroute signals, allowing other parts of the body to take over lost movement.
Why you may need nerve reconstruction surgery
Nerve reconstruction may be needed when damaged nerves no longer send proper signals to the muscles, leading to weakness, pain, or loss of movement. This can happen due to:
- Nerve injuries from trauma, accidents, or previous surgery.
- Loss of movement or sensation in the arm, shoulder, elbow, or hand.
- Brachial plexus injuries, which affect the network of nerves controlling the upper limb.
- Weakness or paralysis, making it difficult to move the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Nerve-related pain, including burning, tingling, or electric shock-like sensations that don’t improve with non-surgical treatments.
- Post-stroke loss of function, where nerves no longer send signals properly to the muscles.
- Winged scapula (shoulder instability) caused by long thoracic nerve damage, which affects the muscles that hold the shoulder blade in place. This can make the shoulder blade stick out, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Types of nerve surgery and when they are used
The type of nerve surgery you need depends on the severity and location of the damage. Some nerves can be repaired directly, while others may need grafts, transfers, or tendon-based procedures to restore movement and sensation.
Direct nerve repair
When a nerve is cut but still has healthy ends, it can sometimes be reconnected without needing additional tissue.
- When it’s used: Small, clean nerve injuries (e.g., from a sharp cut).
- Procedure: The ends of the nerve are carefully aligned and reattached to allow healing and regrowth.
Nerve grafting
If a nerve is too damaged or a section is missing, a nerve graft may be needed to bridge the gap.
- When it’s used: Larger nerve injuries where part of the nerve is crushed or removed.
- Procedure: A healthy nerve from another part of the body (often the leg) is used to replace the damaged section.
Nerve transfer
When a nerve can’t be repaired, a nearby healthy nerve may be repurposed to take over its function.
- When it’s used: Severe nerve injuries or when a nerve has been pulled from the spinal cord.
- Procedure: A working nerve is redirected to restore movement or sensation in the affected area.
Tendon transfer
If a nerve injury has caused permanent muscle paralysis, a tendon transfer may be used to restore movement.
- When it’s used: If a muscle has lost function due to nerve damage, and nerve repair or nerve transfer is not possible or would take too long.
- Procedure: A working tendon is moved from a muscle that performs a similar movement but is less essential. This allows the paralysed muscle to regain function by borrowing strength from a healthy muscle.
Long thoracic nerve reconstruction (for winged scapula & shoulder stability)
This surgery is used when damage to the long thoracic nerve weakens the muscles that stabilise the shoulder blade.
- When it’s used: If the shoulder blade sticks out (winged scapula) and causes pain or weakness.
- Procedure: Nerve or tendon transfers are used to restore muscle control and improve shoulder movement.
Nerve reconstruction after a stroke
Stroke-related nerve surgery is a specialised part of nerve reconstruction, focusing on restoring movement when the brain can no longer send proper signals to the muscles.
What to expect after nerve reconstruction surgery
“Nerves grow at about 1mm per day, meaning it can take months or even years for full function to return. During this time, the affected muscles may feel weak or unresponsive as they wait for new nerve signals to reach them. This is why rehabilitation is just as important as surgery. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy help keep the muscles active and improve the final outcome.”
The success of nerve reconstruction varies from person to person. In many cases, up to 70% of function can be restored, but results depend on factors like the severity of the injury, how soon surgery was performed, and overall health. Patience and commitment to rehab play a big role in getting the best possible recovery.
Factors that affect recovery
- Timing of surgery – The sooner, the better. Surgery within 3-6 months of injury leads to better outcomes.
- Age & overall health – Younger patients tend to heal faster.
- Nutrition & lifestyle – Vitamins B & C help nerve healing, while smoking slows recovery.
- Severity of injury – More complex nerve injuries take longer to heal and may need multiple surgeries.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Nerve Reconstruction Surgeon Perth
Why choose Dr O’Beirne for nerve reconstruction?
Nerve reconstruction is a complex, highly specialised area of surgery. It requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of how nerves, muscles, and tendons work together.
Dr O’Beirne has extensive experience in brachial plexus injuries, nerve transfers, tendon transfers, and microsurgical nerve repair. He has trained with leading nerve surgeons and continues to use the latest surgical techniques to help restore movement and sensation.
Recovery after nerve surgery doesn’t end in the operating room. Dr O’Beirne works closely with a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to give each patient the best chance of regaining function. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, focusing on what matters most to you—whether it’s returning to work, playing sport, or simply being able to lift your arm again.
If you’ve lost movement or sensation due to nerve damage, book an appointment with Dr O’Beirne today at Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth.