Ulnar Nerve Surgery

It is important to know about the human anatomy, before we actually talk about ulnar nerve surgery. Understanding the anatomy and the various human body systems, will help us in understanding the importance of this nerve.

Anatomy of the Ulnar Nerve

The ulnar nerve is an important of 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 important as it gives sensation to the little finger and half of the ring finger which is located just next to the little finger. The ulnar nerve is also responsible for delicate movements in the hand, besides supporting some muscles in the forearm too.

Why should I get an Ulnar Nerve Surgery?

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. The other reason for the ulnar nerve surgery is to reduce compression, while performing one's daily chores, as the position of the nerve is moved from the back of the elbow to the front.

Ulnar Nerve Surgery

For surgery both at the elbow as well as the wrist, an incision has 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.

The elbow surgery, involves the nerve to be moved and placed in the muscles. Therefore, the nerve 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 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 muscle. 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 in faster healing of the nerve. 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 hospitalization overnight is required. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may have to wear a splint for a few days.

Recovering from Ulnar Nerve Surgery

To recover from an ulnar nerve surgery, the doctor can prescribe physical therapy. This physical therapy exercises will help you regain strength and motion in the arm. You will require the therapy for a minimum period of three months. After the splint is removed, then starts the passive exercise schedule. In passive exercises, there is no movement that is caused to the muscles besides moving only the elbow. Six weeks after the surgery, starts the active physical therapy phase. In this phase, muscle power is used which involves muscle and bone strengthening exercises.

Depending on the harm done 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.