Etymed
neurorrhaphy
Definition
surgical suturing of a nerve
Clinical context
A 25-year-old construction worker presents after a workplace accident with a deep laceration to his right forearm, resulting in complete transection of the median nerve. He presents with numbness over the first web space and weakness in thumb abduction and opposition. Surgical repair is performed by neurorrhaphy, which involves precise suturing of the severed nerve ends under microscopic visualization. Post-operatively, the patient undergoes intensive physical therapy to optimize nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
Mnemonic
Nerve repair = needle and suture (neurorrhaphy)