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
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  : 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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  I didn't detail the deQuervain's symptoms:  pain upon flexion of wrist and/or thumb, also slight pain at rest.  Will try splinting at night.  Should I discuss with neuro at follow-up this Fri., or should I proceed directly to hand surgeon (after pausing for referral from PVP)? ;-)
  Thanks for such a great forum!  jk
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I would advise you tomdiscuss this with your neurologist,it is still not
clear where this pronblem is located, he will help you to localize it
before proceeding to definitive treatment.