Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation for Surgeons: How it Works and How to Apply it.

Hand Clin · Aug 2024 · Review

Wiebe JE, Borschel GH

Division of Plastic Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONBrief overview of how electrical stimulation speeds peripheral nerve regeneration and improves functional recovery when applied intra- or immediately post-operatively, with trials exploring other uses and durations.
Abstract, as published

Electrical stimulation (ES) enhances peripheral nerve inherent regeneration capacity by promoting accelerated axonal outgrowth and selectivity toward appropriate motor and sensory targets. These effects lead to significantly improved functional outcomes and shorter recovery time. Electrical stimulation can be applied intra-operatively or immediately post-operatively. Active clinical trials are looking into additional areas of application, length of stimulation, and functional outcomes.

Featured in the 2026-10-03 issue.

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