My 150-pound Newfoundland dog ran into my leg full tilt while chasing a cat. My knee was completely dislocated. Besides tearing the ligaments in my knee, there is also some nerve damage. It’s been almost four months now. EMG studies show that there is no evidence of nerve recovery. What’s the next step?
Absence of signs that the nerve is healing suggests the need for surgery. The doctor will explore the area and look for nerve damage and scarring. Recent advances in microneural surgery makes this possible now. If there is scarring holding the nerve down, then a process called neurolysis is done. This can be done in two ways. The lining around the nerve can be cut lengthwise to release pressure on the nerve. Chemicals injected into the lining can also be used. These destroy or dissolve the nerve tissue. Nerve grafting can be done if there is complete disruption of the nerve. The damaged nerve is removed and healthy nerve tissue is used to replace it. The doctor may try a neurolysis first, then retest for any signs of recovery before doing a nerve graft.
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