039: Nerve Transfers with Dr. Nick Munaretto

Nerve transfer surgery involves reconnecting a functioning nerve fascicle to a damaged or lacerated nerve to restore connection to muscles with absent innervation. This is an extensive surgery that takes a lot of time and education with our patients before and after surgery. Dr. Munaretto explores common nerve transfers he completes at the Hand to Shoulder Center while discussing appropriate candidates and clinical findings. He shares insight into cutting edge research of these procedures and outcomes. Stay tuned for our next podcast with hand therapist Jen Dodson who will be giving us an overview of the principles of rehab following nerve transfer surgery!

 

Dr. Munaretto earned his Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude from the University of Illinois and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin where he received the Gold Humanism Honor Society Award and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society as Junior Medical Student.   From there he completed his five-year orthopedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Then, Dr. Munaretto proceeded to advance his education and completed a Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship program at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, NC. During his time in Charlotte, he visited Drs. Werthel and Valenti, two international shoulder surgery experts in Paris, France and completed a travelling fellowship with them.

Dr. Nick Munaretto is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with a specialty in hand and upper extremity surgery.  He has a special interest in peripheral nerve injuries, arthritic conditions of the upper extremity including shoulder and elbow replacement as well as arthroscopic procedures involving the shoulder to hand.  His practice philosophy emphasizes compassionate and expert care for every patient and utilizes the most advanced techniques and technology to help patients live their greatest potential. He practices here at the Hand to Shoulder Center.