Deep muscle tear in the hand, with numbness after recovery?
Hello doctor, six years ago I sustained a deep laceration on the outer side of my forearm, approximately 8 centimeters from the elbow joint, which severed part of the muscle but did not damage the nerves.
After surgical repair, I have experienced a tingling sensation in the skin on the outer side of my forearm from the injury site to the wrist joint, which feels different from the original sensation.
It seems that the area from the suture site to above the elbow has normal sensation, but the skin from the suture site to the wrist has a tingling feeling.
Does this indicate that the sensory nerves were severed? Will this sensation improve over time? Which specialty should I consult for this issue? Thank you.
Mr. Yao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/18
Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
If it has been six years, the chances of recovery are very low.
It is recommended to consult a neurologist.
Reply Date: 2018/09/18
More Info
Understanding nerve sensation changes after deep hand lacerations is a complex issue that involves the anatomy of the nervous system, the healing process, and potential long-term consequences of injuries. In your case, having experienced a deep laceration six years ago that involved muscle damage but reportedly did not affect the nerves, it is important to consider several factors that could explain the persistent altered sensation in the affected area.
Firstly, even if the nerves were not directly cut during the injury, the trauma can lead to neuropraxia, which is a temporary loss of function due to nerve compression or damage. This can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the area supplied by the affected nerve. Over time, if the nerve does not heal properly or if there is scar tissue formation, it can lead to chronic changes in sensation. The fact that you describe a distinct boundary at the site of the injury, where sensation changes from normal to altered, suggests that there may be localized nerve damage or dysfunction.
Moreover, the healing process can sometimes lead to the development of neuromas, which are benign growths of nerve tissue that can form at the site of nerve injury. These can cause abnormal sensations and pain. Additionally, the surrounding tissues, including muscles and fascia, can also contribute to altered sensations if they become tight or scarred as a result of the injury.
As for the question of whether this condition can recover, it largely depends on the extent of the nerve involvement and the body's healing capabilities. In cases where nerve function is compromised but not completely severed, there may be potential for recovery over time, especially with appropriate rehabilitation. However, if significant time has passed (as in your case, six years), the likelihood of full recovery diminishes.
To address your concerns, it would be advisable to consult with a neurologist who specializes in nerve injuries. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), to assess the function of the nerves in your arm and hand. This will help determine if there is ongoing nerve damage or if other factors are contributing to your symptoms.
In summary, the altered sensation you are experiencing could be due to a variety of factors related to your previous injury, including nerve dysfunction, scar tissue formation, or even the development of neuromas. While there may be some potential for recovery, particularly with targeted rehabilitation, the extent of recovery can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. A neurologist will be best equipped to evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate course of action.
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