My left forearm was lacerated 2 days ago by what is probably the most aggressive rotating wood sculpting blade available. Accident. The ER Xrays showed the (4" diameter ) blade cut about 1/4 through my ulna about 4 " above my wrist. The blade was at an angle approximately 45 degrees from normal to the bone and about 45 degrees from parallel with the bone on the odd angle far from perpendicular to the ulna from any view. The ultrasound images at time of OR were not successful at showing exact extent of tendon or nerve damage. So, the ER doc sewed me up and sent me home with referrals to surgical specialists and heavy pain meds.
Now, I have feeling and can move all fingers but the pinky is totally numb and moves only slightly. . Though I'm positive the pinky muscles are working at least a bit, I am nor sure if it will be possible to regain full functionality of my hand. I am being told I will definitely need surgery to get reasonably full functionality back but the crucial question seems to be whether or not the ulnar nerve is completely severed or not.
I am in the process of finding the best hand surgeon I can find near Vero Beach, Fl.
Questions:
1. Is the fact that the pinky moves proof that the ulnar nerve is not completely severed?
2. If some percentage of the ulnar nerve was not cut, are my chances for full functional recovery better?
3. If the u;nar nerve is severed what are the chances, if any, of regaining full functionality?
4. Same questions re the tendons.
TY for any advice.