Tardy on the nerve palsy Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

[twshort]

I had a non-displaced fracture on the radial head of my left elbow in 1985.
My MD diagnosed Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in 2004 due to tardy nerve palsy
Due to arthritis of the joint and the Osborne’s ligament had thickened causing
compression on the nerve. Should I have surgery ? The conduction tests reveled
moderate to sever palsy of the nerve. How could this happen 19 years after my injury?

[twshort]

Thanks for the advise. I'm reluctant to have surgery, 3 guys I know had the surgery
and now have more complications than prior.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

It may occur as a complication after the fracture or if you have a habit of sleeping with either your elbows bent, your arms up by their head, or both. These positions aggravate the problem. Over time, this can progressively irritate the nerve, resulting in numbness of the ring and small finger, weakness in muscles of the hand used for strong pinch, and other muscles that coordinate fine movements. Nerve damage may occur.

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. You may be able to avoid surgery by keeping the elbow straight as often as possible which is very difficult.

Discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.

Take care!