Ulnar Nerve Surgery

The ulnar nerve is of extreme importance to the nervous system as it is one of the three main nerves of the arm. It starts at the collarbone, travels deep within the upper arm and behind the elbow, to end in the little finger. The nerve is significant as it gives a sensation to the little finger and half of the ring finger. Besides supporting some muscles in the forearm, it is also responsible for delicate movements in the hand.

Often, doctors advise non-surgical treatments for this problem if it's still in its initial stage. Anti-inflammatory medicines can be prescribed as well. Surgery is an option, only when non-surgical treatments do not give the desired results. The ulnar nerve surgery is mainly required to take pressure off the nerve.

Another possible reason behind considering this surgery is to reduce the compression while performing one's daily chores since the position of the nerve changes from the back of the elbow to the front.

For surgery, both at the elbow as well as the wrist, an incision needs to be made. When the surgery is to be carried out for the elbow, a straight incision is made at the elbow. If it involves the wrist, a zig-zag incision is made at the base of the palm. At times, it has been noted that the compression is caused due to a cyst, due to which, the cyst is removed.

In the elbow surgery, the nerve is moved and placed in the muscles, and therefore it does not sustain pressure when the elbow is bent. If the compression is seen at the wrist, the surgery can be carried out at the wrist. In some cases, if the compression felt both at the elbow and the wrist, the surgery is carried out at both the places.

The nerve is placed underneath a layer of muscles. This prevents the nerve from slipping back to its original position, in between the elbow bones. At the same time, this placement also ensures increased blood supply to the nerve, which helps the nerve heal faster. The third advantage of this placement is that it prevents any injury which can be caused to the nerve.

The surgery is usually carried out in the out-patient department. In rare cases, overnight hospitalization is required. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may have to wear a splint for a few days.

To recover from the surgery, the doctor may prescribe physical therapy. These physical-therapy exercises will help you regain strength and motion in the arm. You will need to undergo the therapy for a minimum period of three months. After the splint is removed, the passive exercise schedule begins.

In passive exercises, there is no movement that is caused to the muscles besides moving only the elbow. Six weeks after the surgery, begins the active physical therapy phase. In this phase, muscle power is used, which involves muscle and bone strengthening exercises.

Depending on the injury of the nerve and the age of the patient, the recovery period from an ulnar nerve surgery varies from patient to patient. In some cases, total recovery is not really possible; however, physical therapy after surgery helps a great deal.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.