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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Ulnar Nerve Transpostion Post Surgery Problems
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Ulnar Nerve Transpostion Post Surgery Problems
by adlpn, Jul 27, 2005 12:00AM
In Oct 2004 I injured my right arm. Finally in March 2005 I was diagnosed with Tardy Ulnar Palsy. April 7 2005 the nerve was released with ulnar nerve transposition. After the surgery my elbow locked up. Now after 10 weeks of PT is still will not fully extend. Also my pain has increased. I now have pain stating in my neck, burning sharp pains in my shoulder, sharp pain in elbow, no feeling on outer side of forearm, and aching pain in wrist and pinky and ring finger. Also Sharp shooting pains thru my buttock down my leg. My ankle is stiff and my foot seems to be turning in, it also feels like my bones are shattering when I walk. This is all on my Right side the same side of the initial injury. Have not had MRI due to changing doctors. Also Just found out another very good Ortho Surgeon refused to take on my case. Thankyou for your time
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jul 31, 2005 12:00AM
I cannot give you a clinical diagnosis, and my opinion is limited as critical information is missing to give an accurate opinion - such as the nature of the injury and duration to onset of nerve symptoms.
Nerve transposition surgery aims to reinnervate a damaged nerve with another viable nerve - it does not involve the release of a trapped nerve.
I'm not sure exactly why you seem to have developed an elbow contracture after the surgery, but relative immobility from the surgery/pain could have contributed. Treatment is symptomatic and further surgery is unproven. The symptoms in the arm could be neuralgic amyotrophy - a painful condition affecting nerves after sometimes trivial truama, surgery or as a familial trait - that causes weakness and severe pain in one or more usually motor nerves in the arm. A nerve conduction study or EMG can help diagnose this condition.
The symptoms in the leg however in combination with the arm symptoms may suggest a problem higher up in the cervical spine area and this area should be evaluated by MRI.
Good luck
Nerve transposition surgery aims to reinnervate a damaged nerve with another viable nerve - it does not involve the release of a trapped nerve.
I'm not sure exactly why you seem to have developed an elbow contracture after the surgery, but relative immobility from the surgery/pain could have contributed. Treatment is symptomatic and further surgery is unproven. The symptoms in the arm could be neuralgic amyotrophy - a painful condition affecting nerves after sometimes trivial truama, surgery or as a familial trait - that causes weakness and severe pain in one or more usually motor nerves in the arm. A nerve conduction study or EMG can help diagnose this condition.
The symptoms in the leg however in combination with the arm symptoms may suggest a problem higher up in the cervical spine area and this area should be evaluated by MRI.
Good luck
Any suggestions on what the problem could be would be greatly appreciated. also i would like to know my chances of getting better. i have heard the longer you wait with a nerve injury the less likely it is to be repairable, Is this true?
Thank You again
adlpn