|
Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Pinched Nerve In Elbow - Treatments Other Than SurgeryForum: Neurology Forum
| |
My little finger and half of my ring finger on my left hand are "asleep" all the time. My family doctor had an MRI done on my neck and then I went to an orthopedic surgeon who had the ENG test - where they shock the nerve and measure the response. The orthopedic surgeon diagnosed that I had a pinched nerve in my elbow. First course of treatment has been to imobilize the arm at night by putting it in a split. This has not been working and he suggests outpatient surgery where they would move the nerve to the outside of the elbow. Two questions - Is this procedure safe? Also, are there any other options beside surgery? Any information would be very appreciated. Thank you!
Dear Jim: Precise diagnosis of the ulnar neuropathy is critically important prior to undergoing any surgery on it. With all due respect, I DO NOT trust a diagnostic EMG examination done by an orthopedic surgeon. Seek a consultation with a neuromuscular specialist in a reputed academic neurology department near you, and undergo another EMG done by such a specialist. Then go to an experienced hand surgeon if the neurologist thinks surgical treatment is appropriate. Even in the hands of a good hand surgeon, a small but significant minority of ulnar nerve transpositions is complicated by worsened nerve injury, probably from loss of blood supply. Good luck!
| |
