If the nerve is very badly compressed or if there is muscle wasting, the nerve may not be able to return to normal, and some symptoms may remain even after the surgery. Each method of surgery has a similar success rate for routine cases of nerve compression. The results of surgery are generally good. They will also talk with you about when it will be safe to return to all your normal activities. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy exercises to help you regain strength and motion in your arm. ![]() A submuscular transposition usually requires a longer time (3 to 6 weeks) in a splint. Surgical Recoveryĭepending on the type of surgery you have, you may need to wear a splint for a few weeks after the operation. Like ulnar nerve transposition, this technique also prevents the nerve from getting caught on the boney ridge and stretching when your elbow is bent. Another option to release the nerve is to remove part of the medial epicondyle. Muscle damage is a sign of more severe nerve compression.įor anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, an incision is made along the inside of the elbow (pictured) or along the back side of the elbow. During the test, small needles are put into some of the muscles that the ulnar nerve controls. Nerve conduction studies can also determine whether the compression is also causing muscle damage. Several places along the nerve will be tested the area where the response takes too long is likely to be the place where the nerve is compressed. When a nerve is not working well, it takes longer for it to conduct.ĭuring a nerve conduction test, the nerve is stimulated in one place, and the time it takes for there to be a response is measured. Nerves are like electrical cables that travel through your body carrying messages between your brain and muscles. These tests can determine how well the nerve is working and help identify where it is being compressed. However, your doctor may take X-rays of your elbow or wrist to look for bone spurs, arthritis, or other places that the bone may be compressing the nerve. Most causes of compression of the ulnar nerve cannot be seen on an X-ray. X-rays provide detailed pictures of dense structures, like bone. To perform Tinel's test for nerve damage, your doctor will lightly tap along the inside of the elbow joint, directly over the ulnar nerve. For this reason, it is important to see your doctor if symptoms are severe or if they are less severe but have been present for more than 6 weeks. Once this happens, muscle wasting cannot be reversed.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |