Nerve Injury Management
A nerve injury can be life-changing. Beyond loss of movement or sensation, damaged nerves can generate severe, persistent pain, whether from a painful neuroma, an amputation, or nerve damage sustained during trauma or previous surgery. As part of my major trauma role at King’s College Hospital, I manage nerve injuries regularly, and I offer a range of surgical techniques to relieve pain and restore as much function as possible.
Every nerve problem is different, and treatment is tailored to the cause, location and severity of your injury following careful assessment, often supported by imaging or nerve conduction studies.
Assessment & investigation
I take a detailed history of your injury and pain, examine the affected area, and arrange imaging or electrical nerve studies where these will help plan the right treatment.
Targeted treatment planning
Depending on your findings, options range from Botox injections to calm nerve signalling, through to neuroma excision, nerve transfers, or reconstructive techniques such as targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) or regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNI).
Surgical treatment
Where surgery is appropriate, this may involve removing a painful neuroma, repairing or grafting a damaged nerve, or rerouting nerve endings into muscle to prevent pain signals forming in the first place.
Rehabilitation & follow-up
Recovery is supported by close follow-up and, where appropriate, hand or physiotherapy input to help restore function and sensation over the following months.
Who is it for?
Nerve injury and neuroma management can help a wide range of patients dealing with pain or dysfunction following nerve damage. You may benefit from assessment if you:
Have persistent pain, tingling or numbness following an injury, fracture or surgery
Have a painful neuroma — a tender lump where a nerve has been cut or damaged
Are living with pain after amputation, including phantom limb pain
Have ongoing nerve-related pain or weakness after a previous operation
Have not found adequate relief through medication or conservative management alone
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Scarring depends on the technique used and the site of your nerve injury, but incisions are generally kept as small and well-placed as possible. Where nerve grafting or muscle reinnervation is required, there will be a scar both at the site of injury and at any donor site used for the graft. Scars typically soften and fade over 12–18 months.
What to expect
Nerve recovery is gradual, and I follow every patient closely to track pain relief and functional improvement over time.
First 2 weeks
Focus is on wound healing and settling post-operative discomfort; most patients are up and about quickly, with activity guided by the specific procedure performed.
Weeks 2–6
Early pain relief often becomes apparent, though full benefit can take longer to develop as nerves settle.
Months 3–6
Ongoing improvement in pain and, where relevant, muscle control continues, supported by physiotherapy where needed.
Up to 2 years
Sensory and functional recovery can continue slowly over this period, as nerves regenerate at a limited natural rate.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of Nerve Injury & Neuroma Management
Meaningful pain relief
Targeted treatment can significantly reduce chronic nerve pain that has not responded to medication alone.
Restored function
Nerve transfers and repair techniques can restore movement and sensation lost after injury.
Reduced phantom limb pain
Techniques such as TMR and RPNI are specifically designed to reduce pain after amputation.
A tailored approach
Treatment is matched to your specific nerve problem, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Improved quality of life
Reduced pain and improved function can have a profound, lasting impact on daily life and independence.
Risks
As with any surgery, it's important we discuss the risks together so you're fully informed. While most patients experience no significant complications, potential risks include:
Infection
Uncommon, and usually manageable with antibiotics.
Bleeding or haematoma
May occasionally require further treatment.
Recurrent neuroma
A new painful neuroma can occasionally form despite treatment, sometimes requiring further surgery.
Incomplete pain relief
Not all nerve pain fully resolves, and realistic expectations are an important part of our discussion.
Altered sensation
Surgery can occasionally cause new areas of numbness or altered sensation near the treated nerve.
Reduced muscle function
Rarely, nerve transfer or repair can affect strength in the donor nerve's original territory.
Scarring
Scars at the injury or donor site can occasionally become thickened or tender.
When nerve injuries are treated acutely as part of trauma care, this is typically provided as NHS-funded treatment through King's College Hospital and the South East London & Kent Major Trauma Centre. For elective or secondary nerve problems — such as a long-standing neuroma or ongoing pain after a previous injury — private consultation and treatment is available, with an exact quote following assessment.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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