ulnar nerve pops out of cubital tunnel

[abbydoll84]

Has anybody had surgery for ulnar nerve that pops out of cubital tunnel?  I'm a pianist, and I need to have something done about this problem, but am scared about losing range of motion (my Dr told me that was a distinct possibility).  I need to do something before I begin graduate school.  I was in physical therapy for 3 months and still wear a splint at night, which has helped -- but still am in pain when I bend my arm.  

Can anyone offer me suggestions, advice, etc.?

[DrNavneetMD]

Hi Dear,

A straight elbow has less pressure on the nerve. You may be able to avoid surgery by keeping the elbow straight as often as possible. Clearly this cannot be done throughout the day because you need to bend your elbow to do many tasks. Regular daily activities must be altered. Avoid crossing your arms across your chest. When talking on the telephone, watch how much your elbow is bent. Those who need to use the telephone frequently should get a cradle attachment or headset. You may have to alter your sleeping position with pillows. Adjust your chair and desk so that when writing, working at a typewriter or a computer keyboard, the elbow is flexed no more that 30 degrees and the wrist is in a neutral position. You may need a night stand for bedtime reading so that the book is not always held with the elbow bent. Most of these changes are common sense and require you to pay attention to your daily activities. We can make a splint to keep the elbow straight or slightly (30 degrees) flexed. I often suggest that you fabricate your own elbow extension splint with soft toweling or use hockey elbow pads, which prevent elbow flexion.
If there is no improvement by following this then you may consider surgery as an option.
The operation is designed not only to take pressure off the nerve, but also to move the nerve to a position to reduce compression during common daily activities.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

[abbydoll84]

Thank you for your input!  Do you know what the recovery time for the surgery you mentioned is?  And is full-range of motion expected after the procedure?
~abbydoll84