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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: DeQuervain's & numb fingers post C4-5 fusion I am 6 wks post-op revision surgery of C4-5 fusion with plating. In Mar/Apr '98 I had 2 injections in R wrist for DeQuervain's. At the time, I suspected my neck was causing the wrist symptoms. In July, '98 I had first C4-5 acdf. Until about 1 wk ago, my wrist had not bothered me since the 2nd inj. I also have transient numbness in my ring and pinky fingers on the R. History of R lat epicondylitis and radial tunnel release in June, '97. Having physical therapy 3x wk for the past 2 wks., consisting of heat, mild stretching exercises for shoulder and trapezius, chin tucks and shoulder rolls. Are these wrist/finger symptoms likely caused by nerve compression in the cervical region? Would a new MRI be advisable? jk The only symptoms you actually describe are numbness in the ring and pinky fingers, this area is supplied by the ulnar nerve, and compromise of the nerve causes numbness in exactly the area you mention. The ulnar nerve can be damaged anywhwere from its origon in the neck, (lower cervical T1 level) to the level of the palm of the hand. Surgery at the level you mention would not compromise the ulnar nerve so the problem may be more peripheral ( unless you have a separate disc problem lower in the cervixcal spine ). You have had sufficient priblems in the wrist area to cause damage down there also. I would think the ideal test would be to do an EMG examination to localize the problem along the course of the ulnar nerve The MRI will only assess the neck, and depending on this result proceed to MRI if there are indications that the problem is in the neck. |
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