Ulnar nerve release surgery
Your ulnar nerve goes around the back of the inner elbow, then through a tight tunnel between your forearm muscles. Increased pressure on this nerve can result in numbness in your little finger and ring finger.
Treatment
If you have mild symptoms that mostly happen during the night, a splint may help to hold your elbow straight while you are in bed. But if you’re experiencing discomfort then your consultant may recommend ulnar nerve release surgery to prevent further damage to the nerve. The surgery may improve any numbness in your hand as long as you have the operation in good time.
During your operation, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes and will use one of a variety of anaesthetic techniques, your surgeon will cut any tight tissue that is compressing the nerve over the back, inner side, of your elbow. They may need to remove some bone or shift a nerve to lie in front of the elbow.
Recovery
You should be able to return home the same day, and initially you’ll need to keep your arm elevated. Gentle exercise of your elbow, fingers and shoulder is important to prevent stiffness and will help you return to normal activities quickly, but do check with your consultant beforehand
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Ulnar nerve release surgery Consultants
Mr Omar Haddo
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shoulder, Elbow, Hand & Wrist Specialist
Qualifications
MBBS, BSc, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Haddo has interests in a wide number of conditions for the upper limb with special interests in the following:
Rotator...
Qualifications
MBBS, BSc, FRCS(Orth)
Clinical Interests
Mr Haddo has interests in a wide number of conditions for the upper limb with special interests in the following:
Rotator...
